Manic Depression often affects thinking!

Manic depression is characterized by alternating swings in moods of depression and mania in a person’s behavior from a feeling of elation and euphoric highs to melancholy and severe hopelessness. They are either severe or mild and can affect the person’s behavioral pattern and thinking faculty. The nature of the illness varies from person to person. If ignored, this can lead to an increase in the severity and frequency over a period of time. When in this cycle, the person can experience any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder.

This illness often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. The episodes could be a response to a buildup of stress over time which may never been used or utilized in a proper manner. Not everyone shows symptoms. Some people experience a few symptoms and for some others the symptoms could be numerous. The severity of symptoms also varies with individuals.

The usual symptoms are a feeling of hopelessness, emptiness, guilt, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, mental confusion and even persistent physical conditions of headache, digestive problems, and pain. It must be understood that many people with manic depression can continue to enjoy productive every day life particularly between the periods of episodes. Modern treatment and community supports have done much to help and create possibilities for optimal adjustment to this illness.

There have been major advancements with treatments in the past fifteen years both in the field of medications as well as Psychotherapy. The usual drugs for anti depressants include a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), Zoloft, Effexor, Paxilor or Serzone. Most of the patients respond well to Lithium. Patients with psychotic episodes, auditory or visual hallucinations are recommended Risperdal, Zyprexa, Haldol or Seroquel. Electroshock therapy is often prescribed as a last resort though some prefer it straightaway since it is often found to be quicker and more effective.

Psychotherapy in addition to a well monitored regimen of medication helps the patient to understand his or her illness and learn to live a fulfilling life with a mental illness.

Also read our article about Clinical Depression