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The Symptoms of Mild Manic Depression

Mild manic depression, also known as mild bipolar disorder, is a mental health issue. Understanding the symptoms and treatment allow a person who suffers from the illness to get the help needed and where possible, to live a better quality of life.

  1. Symptoms

    • There are many symptoms of mild manic depression. These symptoms may include but are not limited to: loss of appetite, pessimistic outlook, feeling worthless, depression, sleeping too much/not sleeping enough, dramatic mood swings and thoughts of suicide.

    Diagnosis

    • To be diagnosed with mild manic depression, a person must see a doctor who will do testing to rule out other illness. Once other possibilities are ruled out, a mental health evaluation is done, usually by a psychiatrist.

    Treatment

    • Since mild manic depression is a lifetime illness, treatment is usually required to keep the illness under control. Medicine may be administered in the form of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and/or antidepressants.

    Considerations

    • People who suffer from mild manic depression have also been known to suffer from other illnesses, from migraines to anxiety disorders, which is why treatment is important.

    Risk Factors

    • Mild manic depression, along with other mental illness, tends to run in families. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, children whose parents or siblings suffer from the illness are six times more likely to develop the illness themselves.

    Warning

    • If left untreated, mild manic depression can develop into a more severe type of mental illness such as schizophrenia or psychosis.

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