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Treatments for Manic Depression

Manic depression or bipolar disorder is a condition in which an individual has mood swings between mania and depression. Mania can create feelings of euphoria and empowerment, but the depression that follows can lead to typical problems with depression such as self-destructive behaviors and withdrawal. This disorder is treated with medications, which treat the symptoms of manic depression, and psychotherapy, which helps patients cope with the mental illness.

  1. Medical Treatments

    • Medicines used to treat manic depression are treated with Lithium, tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Lithium attempts to slow down the mania episode. While mania might seem like the lesser of the two parts of manic depression, the depression that results is caused by a depletion of energy. Tricyclics and monoamine oxidase try to fight depression symptoms by raising serotonin in the brain. None of these medications cure manic depression, but they do minimize many symptoms.

    Dangers

    • Those with manic depression should avoid mixing drugs together without talking to their doctor. This can lead to harmful reactions. Those on manic depression medication sometimes think they are cured and stop taking their medicine, which can lead to a dangerous relapse. Pregnant women should avoid taking manic depression medication because it may increase the risk of birth defects. Antidepressants can have side effects that include dry mouth, constipation, sexual dysfunction, urination problems, vision problems, vertigo and sleepiness.

    Therapy

    • Several approaches have been helpful for those struggling with manic depression. Some sufferers of manic depression create laminated cards that contain instructions for dealing with isolated incidents. General education about manic depression helps alleviate symptoms. Cognitive therapy focuses on how a sufferer of manic depression thinks when she is going through an episode. Families are often part of a manic depression treatment plan so they can learn how to provide support for the sufferer of manic depression.

    Alternative Therapy

    • Therapy focused on self-discipline and self respect is sometimes attempted. Meditation, tai chi and yoga have also been helpful since they help patients get in touch with their own thoughts and bodies in a process called mindfulness. In addition, good nutrition can help by reducing energy-boosting foods that can contribute to mania. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, sunlight exposure, creative expression and exercise can help combat depression.

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