Manic Depression Symptoms

Manic Depression Symptoms

Manic depression, otherwise known as bipolar disorder, is an illness wherein the individual suffers rapid shifts in mood of such import that they affect the individual's ability to function normally.

The symptoms are varied and often ranging from dramatic mood swings of overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again. Often, there are periods of normal mood in between these two extremes, but they only last for a short time. It is the depressive mood that most commonly occurs at a ratio of 3 to 1 to manic mood.

Manic Depression Symptoms: Manic Episode

The period during which a person suffering from manic depression symptoms experiences "mania" is called manic episode. This is typically characterized by the following manic depression symptoms:

* Marked increase in energy, resulting in increased participation in activities or restlessness

* Euphoria or excessively "high" and overly good mood

* Extreme irritability

* Rapid flow of ideas and racing thoughts, resulting in ability to talk very fast and often jumping from one topic to another

* Unable to concentrate, easily distracted

* Needs little sleep

* Overblown sense of self, unrealistic belief in one's abilities and powers

* Poor judgment

* Spending sprees

* The abnormal behavior lasts for a long period of time

* Increased sexual drive

* Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications

* Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior

* Does not believe that anything is wrong, in denial

When three or more of these manic depression symptoms are accompanied by an elevated mood, the individual is often diagnosed with a manic episode. If, however, the mood is primarily characterized by high irritability, then it must be accompanied by four additional symptoms. In both cases, the manic depression symptoms must have been apparent for most of the day, nearly every day for one week or longer.

Manic Depression Symptoms: Depressive Episode

During a depressive episode, the manic depression symptoms may include:

* Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness

* Excessive anxiety

* Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; dwelling too much in negative thoughts

* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness

* Feeling as though nothing is worth making the effort; lack of motivation, drive, or energy

* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

* Reduced energy

* Feelings of fatigue or of being slowed down

* Trouble concentrating on a single idea; memory loss or forgetfulness

* Difficulty in making decisions; indecisiveness

* Irritability, anger, or rage

* Sleeping too much or too little

* Change in appetite and/or unexplained weight loss or gain

* Persistent bodily symptoms such as chronic pain that are not caused by physical illness or injury

* Thoughts of death or suicide, including suicide attempts

A person in the depressive episode and suffering from these manic depression symptoms needs all the help he can get. The risk of suicide grows stronger when the person is in this particular episode of manic depression. When you know someone who talks about suicide, get help immediately.