Manic Depression
Manic depression is a very serious problem. It is a mental disorder that is characterized by episodes of mania and depression. It is one of the more advanced forms of depression, and typically brings about rapid and dramatic changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior patterns.
It is more dangerous than other diseases and disorder as it is not a physical condition.
Manic Depression Symptoms
When medical professionals diagnose manic depression, they look for certain symptoms. The following are general symptoms of manic depression.
- Sad, worried or depressive mood
- Feelings of hopelessness and gloom
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
- Decreased energy or feeling of being tired or slowed down
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Restlessness or irritability
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Loss of appetite and weight or increased appetite and weight
- Ongoing physical pain not caused by an illness or injury
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Increased energy, activity, or restlessness
- Excessively elated, or "high," feelings
- Extreme irritability
- Distracted and confused mood
- Racing thoughts and rapid talking
- Decreased need for sleep
- Unrealistic beliefs in ability and powers
- Poor judgment (for example, the person may take on too much work, spend money foolishly, or drive recklessly)
- Unusual behavior (for example, the person may start hiding things, neglect personal appearance, or listen to the same piece of music over and over)
- Reckless sexual behavior
- Quarrelsome, pushy behavior
Diagnosis of Manic Depression
Manic depression can be difficult to diagnose because it is a complex illness that has many forms. Its symptoms resemble those of other illnesses and conditions. To further complicate matters, some other illnesses may occur along with manic depression that makes diagnosis a difficult job.
Tests for Manic Depression
There is no simple laboratory test for manic depression. When an individual with symptoms of mania and depression seeks help, psychiatrists use their judgment and patient’s symptoms to diagnose the illness.
They first gather medical information about the patient. Then they use the information obtained along with their experience and training to reach a diagnosis.
Psychiatrists go through several steps to gather information. These steps include a physical examination, medical history, interview, and psychological tests.
Treatment
There are numerous treatments for manic depressions. Many drugs are used but Lithium is considered as the best of them. Lithium has been used as an anti-manic agent for decades since its effects were first discovered in 1949. Although it remains the mainstay of the treatment against mania, about 10±20% of patients are reported to be unresponsive to lithium and some unable to tolerate it.
Antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol have been widely used as alternatives or adjuncts to lithium in early stage acute mania to control agitation and psychotic features.
Although they are claimed to produce a more rapid response than lithium, their efficacy compared with lithium is still unclear. Similarly, the anticonvulsant's carbamazepine and valproate have been claimed to be effective in patients who failed to respond adequately to lithium or were intolerant of lithium. They are being increasingly used as alternatives or in combination with, lithium in place of Anti psychotics.
However, there appear to be inconsistencies in their efficacy compared to lithium. Other agents investigated for their potential anti-manic effects include verapamil and clonazepam, but again their efficacy compared to lithium remains to be established. |
