Manic depressive illness is sometimes referred to as bipolar disorder. It is a very common mental illness and fortunately is treatable with the right medication and psychiatric care. Manic depression differs from other forms of depression in that a person suffering from manic depressive disorder will experience extreme mood swings. Oftentimes the mood swings are dismissed until they become very severe. It is important to seek treatment if you believe that you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of manic depressive illness.
A person who is manic depressive may alternate between severe depression and euphoria. Some of the symptoms of the depressive moods include a loss of interest in hobbies or regular activities, a disruption of sleep patterns, and suicidal thoughts.
The other extreme of mood swings experienced by someone with manic depressive illness is often described as an emotional high. The behavior of someone in this state is manic; a person may suddenly have a lot of energy, be in a constant ecstatic mood, have difficulty concentrating, and exercise poor judgment.
Treatment is entirely possible for anyone experiencing manic depressive illness. The aim of treatment is to stabilize the mood swings that can be very disruptive. The best course of treatment is a long term treatment plan that includes medication and therapy. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of Canadians with depression seek help. They may not recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition and be unaware that there are effective treatments available. Others are worried about being labeled with a mental illness and how other people will react.
Medication alone is not sufficient to treat someone with manic depressive illness. Erratic treatment can be detrimental to a person’s mental health, it is best to find a suitable treatment and continue with it. It is important to work closely with your doctor to treat this condition successfully. Support from family and friends is also important for effective treatment.
While long term treatment with antidepressants and mood stabilizers is the best option it is not a complete cure. Reoccurrences of manic episodes are possible and the best way to avoid the situation escalating is to immediately notify your doctor. Your treatment plan may need to be altered.
Lithium is the most commonly prescribed drug for patients suffering from manic depressive illness. It is considered the most effective drug to treat this condition. There are also other medications that provide effective depression help.
Sometimes anticonvulsant drugs are used instead of lithium. Other times the best treatment plan may be to combine lithium and anticonvulsant drugs to effectively treat the condition. Explore all treatment options with your doctor and be ready to try several types of medication before finding the right combination.