Bipolar disorder or manic depression is a psychological illness which manifests as having extreme changes in mood, behavior and thought. A person s mood can change from mania to depression in a short period of time. These mood swings from highs to lows can last for hours, days, weeks, or months. A person with this mood disorder has a unique pattern of mood fluctuations specific to him but once his pattern is analyzed, it can be quite foreseeable.

Bipolar disorder usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood but it can also start in early childhood or late adulthood. Recent studies show a genetic factor to this illness. It affects men and women equally although their initial manifestations of

the disorder may differ (men start with a manic episode while women with a depressive episode). The disorder can be found in all races and social classes. It continues throughout life. Because the symptoms are episodic, one may not be diagnosed correctly. Thus, those who have the illness may not be treated early. Once properly diagnosed, however, the illness can be treated.

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Manic depression is a mental disorder that is also called manic depressive disorder. To some, it is known as bipolar disorder. Manic depression symptoms are known to be on the extreme sides of the spectrum. They are either on the high end or the low end. The high-end symptoms are known to be the manic symptoms while the low end is known as the “hypo” symptoms or the depressive symptoms.

This type of mental disorder is hard to spot because the patient may appear to be going well after an episode of depression. Unknown to people around him, he becomes sunny all of the sudden not because he has overcome depression; it is just that he shifted to mania,

the other symptom of his illness.

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The key to a successful treatment of a bipolar disorder is the right diagnosis. Diagnosis may not be so easy because its symptoms are episodic. Thus, a comprehensive history is needed. Though it is a psychological illness, an exhaustive medical history and physical exam are also needed to rule out any physical cause of the symptoms of the mood disorder.

A detailed history taking and mental status examination is essential to the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. A complete history of both the present and past symptoms must be taken. Generally, depressed patients experience psychomotor retardation and have decreased activity. They have a decreased rate and volume of speech. Some may have delusions and hallucinations. They have a pessimistic view

of themselves and of the world. Majority of them have attempted suicide or contemplated about it. In contrast, manic patients are very euphoric, excited and hyperactive. They are amusing to interview and they may sometimes even appear psychotic. They can have a low frustration tolerance and become very irritable.

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Several types of depression exist. Depressed (or irritable) mood or a loss of interest in pleasurable activities is characteristic of all types, and all types have to cause impairment in functioning. There are some differences in symptom presentation, however, and depression treatment approaches may vary somewhat. The different types of depression include the following:

Major depressive disorderDysthymic disorderSeasonal affective disorderBipolar depressionDepressive disorder not otherwise specifiedIn major depression, qualifiers can be added to the diagnosis, such as “atypical”, “melancholic”, or “post-partum onset”. Such qualifiers describe a specific pattern of symptom presentation. For example, increased appetite, rejection sensitivity, and a sensation of heaviness of the limbs characterize an atypical major depressive episode.

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Depression is a complex of psychological and physical symptoms. Low mood level or sadness is often the most prominent symptom. The common property of these symptoms is a decreased activity level in parts of the brain.

THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Depression may give one or more of these symptoms:

-Low mood level or sadness.

-Lack of joy or interest in activities that were joyful before.

-Pessimism.

-Feel of guilt of something without any substantial reason to feel so.

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