Manic Depression Disorder

Manic depression disorder, more commonly known as bipolar disorder, is a mental condition that causes drastic, uncontrollable mood swings. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a person who suffers from manic depression disorder may go through intervals of extreme emotion and activity that are directly followed with intervals of lethargy and sadness or anxiety.

Identification

• The symptoms of manic depression disorder are divided into two areas: mania and depression. When a person is going through a manic episode, he may become extremely hyperactive and barely sleep. He may not be able to control impulses and could spend excessive amounts of money or have unprotected sex with multiple partners. According to the University of Virginia Health System, the length of manic episodes varies for each person. After the mania subsides, depression symptoms start, including feelings of guilt, sadness or suicide, as well as a lack of energy or motivation.

Types

• The National Institute of Mental Health reports that manic depression disorder has two main types. The most serious, known as Bipolar I Disorder, is when a person experiences mania that lasts for at least one week and depression that lasts for two weeks. It can make a person self-destructive enough that involuntary hospitalization can be necessary. The second type, Bipolar II Disorder, is characterized mostly by depression with some intervals of mild mania symptoms, and the mania isn't as prevalent or serious.

Causes

• According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, manic depression disorder does not have a conclusively proven cause. The disorder can occur in multiple generations of a family and could be a genetic disorder. The University of Virginia Health System states that gender is not a risk factor for the disorder because it occurs equally in males and females, but men tend to have more mania and women have more depression symptoms. The disorder can occur if a person already has a family history and experiences stressful life events that trigger it.

Treatment

• The National Institute of Mental Health reports that although manic depression disorder cannot be cured, the symptoms can be treated with medication. One of the most common types of medications used for the disorder is a mood stabilizer, especially lithium. Mood stabilizers can help prevent both manic and depressive episodes, although it is not clear why. Antidepressants also may be prescribed if a person suffers more from depressive episodes. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that behavioral therapy can help a person deal with stressful situations so they don't cause episodes.

Effects

• According to the University of Virginia Health System, not treating manic depression disorder can have serious consequences. When a person is in a state of mania, she may be reckless and participate in dangerous activities that can have deadly consequences, such as car accidents or sexually transmitted diseases. Manic episodes in which a person impulsively spends money also can result in heavy financial debt. Depressive episodes can make a person lose the will to live and commit suicide.