How Do You Know if You Have Manic-Depression
Nancy was doing very well until about two years ago when Phil, her boyfriend of 9 years, broke-up with her. It was a difficult moment for her especially after she learned that Phil eventually married her cousin. Since then, Nancy had deteriorated. One evening, she was involved in a motor vehicular accident because she was driving fast and recklessly in a quiet suburban neighborhood.
During interrogation, the cops noted that Nancy was talking rapidly and nobody could interrupt her. Also, she was making jokes and laughing so loud. She further indicated to them that she was on her way to meet the President and his top officials about her invention that could cure the oil crunch. She eventually ended up in the emergency room where she was diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder after intensive evaluation.
Bipolar disorder or manic-depression is manifested by highs and lows. When a patient like Nancy is on the manic side, there is a persistent feeling of euphoria or irritability associated with lack of need for sleep, excessive energy, agitation, fast and loud speech, increase in goal-directed activities such as spending sprees and establishing businesses with no appropriate plan, and hypersexuality.
Patients with this disorder develop poor judgment and impulsivity. They become irritable and can lash out easily even if not provoked. Some patients have delusions of grandeur. When this happens, patients think that they have special powers, talents, and influence.
When not manic, patients either feel normal or depressed. Depression in bipolar disorder has the same manifestation as major depression that consists of feelings of sadness associated with neurovegetative signs and symptoms such as inability to sleep, eat, and concentrate. Energy level is also impaired. In addition, patients experience a feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, and helplessness. Suicidal ideation may ensue.
For individuals who develop mania, does it always mean that they suffer from bipolar disorder?
Not necessarily. Mania can be caused by various medical and neurologic conditions. For instance, multiple sclerosis and stroke can present with manic symptoms. Moreover, medications and street drugs may precipitate mania. Steroids, cocaine, and amphetamine are some examples. Even some antidepressants can induce mania.
So when a person shows mania, the physician usually does intensive evaluation to rule out medical, neurologic, and medication-induced conditions before diagnosing bipolar disorder. This process is important because the treatment varies depending upon the cause. Once other conditions are ruled out, then bipolar disorder can be safely diagnosed and treated.
Copyright © 2004. Dr. Michael G. Rayel - author (First Aid to Mental Illness-Finalist, Reader's Preference Choice Award 2002) psychiatrist, and inventor of Oikos Game: An EQ Game. For info, visit http://www.oikosgame.com and http://www.soardime.com
Latest News
Treasurys rally on economic weakness CNNMoney.com - At nearly a year in duration, the current recession is one of the longest downturns since the Great Depression. Adding to the grim picture: a pair of ... Government bond yields hit fresh lows |
Six Sigma Training Gains Popularity as Depression Looms MarketWatch - Setter adds, "Many leading companies are well aware of these issues, but not every company failed during The Great Depression. If a consumer has less money ... |
Depression Leads to Internal Body Fat in 70-Somethings, Study Suggests Wall Street Journal - People with depression were twice as likely as others to gain visceral fat -- the kind that surrounds internal organs and often shows up as belly fat. ... |
 ABC News | Bernanke says crisis 'no comparison' to Great Depression AFP - "Well, you hear a lot of loose talk, but let me just ... say, as a scholar of the Great Depression -- and I've written books about the Depression and been ... Financial Meltdown Could Require Use of Depression-Era Rule No comparison between current crisis and 1930s: Bernanke Bush Recounts an ‘Uh-Oh Moment’ |
 NECN | Now ward off depression Economic Times, India - ... using both monetary and fiscal levers to kick-start faltering economies. The big question is will it ensure the recession does not become a depression. Video: Money Minute: Recession, Paulson, Oil The Longest Recession Since … US entered recession December 2007, panel says |
New Online Tool May Help Predict Depression Inventorspot - Researchers at University College London (UCL) have developed an online tool that may help predict the risk of someone suffering from depression in the ... New Online Test For Depression Former Judge, London Law Professor Hugh Laddie Dies at 62 |
Depression linked to low bone density Cincinnati.com, OH - By Peggy O’Farrell • pofarrell@enquirer.com • December 1, 2008 Depression and anxiety in their teen years could put girls at risk for brittle bones later in ... Alcoholism Eats At Young Men's Bones |
Nearly 5% of US population suffers from persistent depression or ... UC Los Angeles, CA - Though effective treatments are available for individuals suffering from chronic depression and anxiety, very little is known about how often these ... Kids IQs linked to mental disorders |
Sean Snaith: Could be worst recession since Great Depression Tampabay.com, FL - "It's no Great Depression,'' Snaith said, "but it certainly has the chance to be the worst recession since then.'' • Expect four consecutive quarters of ... |
Don’s seeking to lift the burden of depression Great Lakes Advocate, Australia - WHILE fighting his own battle with depression Don Craig soon realised the need for a local support group for all sufferers. “It doesn’t discriminate – men, ... |
Resources
-
Mental Health Support. Treatment For Depression, Anxiety and Stress with
Zen.
Treatment and support for your Depression, anxiety, and stress. People suffering from Depression, anxiety and stress have been fed 4 big myths by experts, doctors and media. This Zen lesson gives you a new approach to improving your mental health.
-
Conquering Stress
Conquer Stress, Depression & Anxiety Permanently, Without Drugs!
-
WordMedicine.com.
How To Stop Depression And Anxiety In 6 Minutes Flat.
-
Defeat Depression Today
Simple Four Steps to Empower You In All Areas of Your Life.
-
Huband's Guide to Understanding Codependency and Depression
A guide for partners of codependents.
-
End Depression Now
End Depression now, an effective and quick way to end Depression.
-
Self Help Depression With Transformation Skills
Explains how Transformation Skills can be used to self help Depression and how you can learn transformation skill.
-
Anxiety, Stress & Depression Products.
3 products and growing on Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Depression Relief from a Former Patient.
-
Insomnia Remedies - Depression and sleep disorders in the elderly - Pernicious anemia sleep problems
Offering the complete health guide to self healing, HomeMadeMedicine.com shows you how to treat any disease, with herbs, herbal therapy, home remedies to better your sexual health. Womens health, man health, children health.
-
Home
Discover Strategies For Overcoming Manic Depression Without Medication!