History of Manic Depression Symptoms and Diagnosis

Understanding Manic Depression And Why It Is Important To Diagnose Correctly

Manic depression is a type of mood disorder that is defined by cycling between two different episodic moods. Generally these episodes alternate between an elevated mood known as mania and a depressive mood known as depression. The condition comes in a number of different types and severities, including bipolar I and II and manic cyclothymia, all of which are disorders on the same spectrum. Any given diagnosis will usually vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the nature of the mood cycles. It is considered a serious diagnosis, since left untreated it can lead to disruption of everyday life and an increased risk of suicide in many patients. Manic depression has a number of alternate terms, including bipolar disorder, which is the term used in modern use, and manic-depressive psychosis, which was in use in the 1800s. Sometimes manic depression symptoms are misinterpreted as other mental disorders, including schizophrenia. An accurate diagnosis is very important for effective treatment, especially since the treatments for different mood disorders are drastically different and will not work between disorders.

What Are Manic Depression Symptoms?

Recognizing the states of mania, depression, hypomania and mixed affective states

The two main episodes recognized as manic depression symptoms include manic episodes and depressive episodes. Some patients experience longer manic periods and shorter depressive periods, while others are frequently depressive and infrequently manic. Others experience relatively equal cycle periods and are equally manic and depressive. A great deal of patients with manic depression symptoms are initially diagnosed with major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression. This is especially true for those who experience a longer depressive cycle, since they may not initially recognize their shorter manic periods as a significant symptom. Additionally, many patients with the disorder seek medical help early in life, and younger patients are more likely to experience a depressive episode first. This makes it easier for manic depression symptoms to be misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder. There are other states that sometimes occur in patients that have manic depression, but are not part of the criteria for diagnosis. These states include hypomania, or mild mania, which may seem more like a normal positive or happy mood but has many of the same associated problems as mania. Another state is mixed affective state, which is the condition of mania and depression occurring at the same time.

Causes And Risk Factors of Manic Depression Symptoms

Knowing potential causes and demographics that experience higher risk

Manic depression may have a genetic inheritance factor, although there is no consistent evidence in chromosomal patterns to support this. However, monozygotic twins, or identical twins who share identical DNA, are more likely to both suffer from manic depression symptoms than dizygotic fraternal twins or non-twin siblings. Additionally, older parents are somewhat more likely to produce children who later develop manic depressive disorder. Many studies suggest that environmental factors indicate a higher risk of manic depression symptoms with certain social factors present. Many patients with manic depression also report having had stressful childhoods or negative environments growing up. Many patients who are recently diagnosed report having had recent stressful events in their lives, such as family turmoil or other problems with interpersonal relationships. It is not uncommon for these patients to have comorbidity with other disorders, such as simultaneously suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Overall, the disorder is less common in elderly people or young children, and is most common in young adults.

Managing Manic Depression Symptoms

Recognizing treatment options for manic depression, including therapy and mood stabilizers

Symptom management is the primary focus of treatment for manic depressive disorder. Many professionals will prescribe psychosocial treatment such as counseling or therapy for patients with less severe manic depression symptoms. Cognitive therapy is one of the most common therapy approaches used in manic depressive patients, as is interpersonal therapy. Psychosocial treatments are most commonly used in patients with longer depressive cycles and shorter manic cycles, since they are less effective to a patient who is currently manic. Patients with a higher severity of the disorder or longer manic episodes may benefit from pharmacological treatment, such as mood stabilizer medications. One of the most common mood stabilizers used to treat manic depression symptoms is lithium, which is also the oldest medication prescribed for the disorder and remains widely used today. Lithium is most effective at preventing suicidal impulses in patients with manic depression. Antipsychotics are also sometimes used to manage longer mania periods, although they may not help stabilize the cycling and will not treat depressive episodes effectively. The most effective medication or treatment will vary from case to case, and not every patient finds the right treatment on their first try. Finding an effective treatment is important for managing manic depression symptoms and with some trial and error, any patient can find the right combination for them.

Looking for more information on manic depression symptoms?

Check out our section on depression. Find out what is depression from this article.