Signs of Manic Depression

Manic depression is also called bipolar depression. It is considered to be one among the worst categories of depression.

The term manic refers to 'up' feelings and the term depression refers to 'down' feelings in a person's moods. Manic depression manifests itself in sudden mood changes.

Many people experience erratic mood swings during the course of their lives. Often these may be caused due to stress or PMS (pre menstrual syndrome). Mood swings may well be a well-known symptom of depression.

These mood swings may touch the borders of absurdity. The patient may get irked by the simplest of things. Take for example you go to an ice cream shop and ask for you favorite flavor. If your flavor is not available, and you get irritated so much you start cussing the vendor, this is absurd and may be a symptom of manic depression. During the 'up' periods the person suffering from this depression may experience euphoria and happiness. This may then be followed by extreme irritability, racing thoughts and aggressive behavior.

Therapists say that those experiencing manic depression may exhibit these mood swings and tantrums not just for days or weeks, but the period can go on for months at a time.

The 'low' mood swings in patients suffering from this type of depression may produce effects that are similar to those of clinical depression. Persons with manic depression experience episodes of depressed states of mind. They have feelings of being worthless and unloved. The other symptoms are guilt, anxiety attacks, extreme sadness, extreme pessimism, etc. Psychiatrists say that an individual who remains depressed for more than 10 days continuously can be diagnosed as suffering from this variety of depression (manic).

Manic depression seems to be very common and severe. But it can be treated. There is no need to worry much about it. The therapist gives you proper procedures to follow. Take prescribed medications at the proper dosage levels to cure manic depression. Persons with manic depression should meet their therapists regularly so they can release their stifled emotions to somebody who can sympathize with them. This is what puts them quickly on the road to becoming 'normal' persons.

Though natural alternatives are available for treating manic depression, a fit and proper relief is obtained by consulting with cognitive behavior therapists. Psychiatrists, especially cognitive behavior therapists, seem to be the best option for treating manic depression.