manic depression

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Q: What are the signs of manic depression?
I keep having high and then really low moments and then there are times when im really down and want to end everything but when this happens its not always after something bad has happened, it can just be an argument etc – am I showing signs of manic depression ?

A: Here are what physicians use to make the diagnosis of bipolar disorder (“manic depression”)….Bipolar disorders are of two main types which are similar but distinct…Since the information your are providing is not sufficient to make such a diagnosis, I thought it would be useful to give you this information and maybe you can judge better if you actually have bipolar disorder or not…

Bipolar I Disorder–Diagnostic Features (DSM-IV, p. 350):
The essential feature of Bipolar I Disorder is a clinical course that is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Manic Episodes or Mixed Episodes. Often individuals have also had one or more Major Depressive Episodes. Episodes of Substance-Induced Mood Disorder (due to the direct effects of a medication, or other somatic treatments for depression, a drug of abuse, or toxin exposure) or of Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition do not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. In addition, the episodes are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and are not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. . . .

Bipolar II Disorder–Diagnostic Features (DSM-IV, p. 359):
The essential feature of Bipolar II Disorder is a clinical course that is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Hypomanic Episode. Hypomanic Episodes should not be confused with the several days of euthymia that may follow remission of a Major Depressive Episode. Episodes of Substance- Induced Mood Disorder (due to the direct effects of a medication, or other somatic treatments for depression, a drug of abuse, or toxin exposure) or of Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition do not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. In addition, the episodes are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and are not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. . . .

Criteria for Major Depressive Episode (DSM-IV, p. 327)
A. Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.
Note: Do not include symptoms that are clearly due to a general medical condition, or mood-incongruent delusions or hallucinations.
1) depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g. appears tearful). Note: In children and adolescents, can be irritable mood.
2) markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation made by others)
3) significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. Note: In children, consider failure to make expected weight gains.
4) insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
5) psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down)
6) fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
7) feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick)
diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others)
9) recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide
B. The symptoms do not meet criteria for a Mixed Episode.
C. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
D. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hypothyroidism).
E. The symptoms are not better accounted for by bereavement, i.e., after the loss of a loved one, the symptoms persist for longer than 2 months or are characterized by marked functional impairment, morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms, or psychomotor retardation.

Criteria for Manic Episode (DSM-IV, p. 332)
A. A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting at least 1 week (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary).
B. During the period of mood disturbance, three (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted (four if the mood is only irritable) and have been present to a significant degree:
1) inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
2) decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep)
3) more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
4) flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
5) distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli)
6) increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation
7) excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)
C. The symptoms do not meet criteria for a Mixed Episode.
D. The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in occupational functioning or in usual social activities or relationships with others, or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or there are psychotic features.
E. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication, or other treatments) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
Note: Manic-like episodes that are clearly caused by somatic antidepressant treatment (e.g., medication, electroconvulsive therapy, light therapy) should not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder.

Criteria for Mixed Episode (DSM-IV, p. 335)
A. The criteria are met both for a Manic Episode and for a Major Depressive Episode (except for duration) nearly every day during at least a 1-week period.
B. The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in occupational functioning or in usual social activities or relationships with others, or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or there are psychotic features.
C. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication, or other treatment) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).

Criteria for Hypomanic Episode (DSM-IV, p. 338)
A. A distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least 4 days, that is clearly different from the usual nondepressed mood.
B. During the period of mood disturbance, three (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted (four if the mood is only irritable) and have been present to a significant degree:
1) inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
2) decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep)
3) more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
4) flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
5) distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli)
6) increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation
7) excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)
C. The episode is associated with an unequivocal change in functioning that is uncharacteristic of the person when not symptomatic.
D. The disturbance in mood and the change in functioning are observable by others.
E. The episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning, or to necessitate hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features.
F. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication, or other treatment) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
Note: Hypomanic-like episodes that are clearly caused by somatic antidepressant treatment (e.g., medication, electroconvulsive therapy, light therapy) should not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder.

Q: Why do I have to have manic depression?
I know alot of people ask the question, “Why is life so unfair?” I can’t help but wonder the same thing. I think I may be suffering from manic-depression but what sucks most about it is nobody seems to care. I share my theory with my parents but they just dismiss it and say, “You don’t have a problem.” Why do I have to have this when there are more deserving people out there. Why do I feel despair when others are living the dream.

What puzzles me the most about depression is my guilt for feeling terrible when there are others worse off than me. I can’t help thinking about what I don’t have going for me: I’m not very attractive at all, I have poor social skills, I can’t pay attention, I don’t retain any knowledge for long anymore, and I want to be an author but my writing skills are lacking (despite persistant work to improve).

I guess my question is: Why, despite my unwavering belief in God, loyalty to my friends, and dedication to whatever I do, am I subjected to feeling miserable?

A: I’m sorry you’re going through all of this, but keep in mind that there are a lot of other people living and dealing with mental illness. You can get through this and lead a healthy and productive life.

You said you think you “may” be manic-depressive. Have you seen a doctor or therapist yet? If not, then go to your family doctor to get a referral for a qualified therapist. Then this person can properly diagnose you and start a treatment plan. Medication can sometimes do wonders for depression and mood disorders.
You can also call 1-800-therapist, which is a free referral service for those looking for a good therapist.

I’m not sure of your age, but if you’re still a minor in school then talk to a school counselor or teacher so that they can possibly help you communicate with your parents that you need some help.

Also, you need to stop being so hard on yourself. I know it’s easier said than done, but you need to break out of this negative thinking pattern and try to find the things in yourself that are good and positive. Everyone has talents and abilities. Everyone has something to offer and so do you. It just takes practice, but as you work on improving your self-esteem, you’ll begin to feel more connected with your life. Depression and manic-depression (bi-polar) can affect concentration and self esteem so once you begin some kind of treatment and get to feel more stable in your life you’ll find that such things as social skills and your writing skills will become easier.

Take a look at this link http://www.utexas.edu/student/cmhc/booklets/selfesteem/selfest.html that offers some good advice on improving self esteem. It’s pretty good.

People do care and there is help out there for you. Take care

Q: What is the colour of bipolar / manic depression?
what colour is used for bipolar / manic depression – for example on ribbons etc etc??

Also is there a universal symbol for bipolar?? I saw one that looks kinda like a capital P but with the round part in the middle – do you know what it means??

Thanks

A: That would be a silver ribbon. It covers all genres of mental illness, as well as children with diabeties (I don’t know why diabeties is lumped into that category, but oh well).

As for a universal symbol, can’t say I’ve ever heard of one, sorry.

Q: Are bipolar disorder and manic depression the same thing?
Can some explain what manic depression actually means?

A: yes they are the same disorders just with and “updated” name. manic depression/bipolar is basically when you have periods of hyperness (mania) and periods of depression. sometimes this periods can last hours days or months depending on the type of bipolar.

Q: What is it like having bipolar (manic depression)?
Tell me what your depression is about for instance what issue in your life is keeping you depressed? Do you believe you can’t change this issue but you think someone else could?

Also what are you high about? What other issue that is not a depression but is something that others don’t have in their lives that which you are manic over?

A: People with Bipolar Disorder go through long periods of deep depression followed by long periods of mania or elevated mood, long period meaning weeks or months or years…..

This is what it is like to have Bipolar disorder:

Depression – too tired to get out of bed, shower, even to brush my teeth. Cry all the time, sleep 16 hours a day. Feelings of self loathing and guilt that drive me to think of suicide but I’m to tired to even think about how to go about killing myself……. this can last from a couple of weeks to a couple of years.

Mania – Way too happy! PARTY GIRL! love drink and drugs. Talk really fast and pressured because my thoughts are going faster than my mouth can keep up with. Hypersexual – like I sleep with strangers and guys I just met on the internet or I masturbate 10 times a day. I once became bisexual because there were twice as many people to sleep with. Spending sprees….. I once spent my mortgage money on african violets, yep, $1500 on African violets (then I got depressed and let them all die). Quit my job because I wanted my vacation pay for lottery tickets and I was so convinced I would win that I started shopping and writing bad checks because I’d be rich as soon as the numbers were drawn. Only sleep 2 or maybe 3 hours a night for months on end and never feel tired. This can last for months

I also have mixed states when I am depressed and manic at the same time which are truly the worst… By body and mind are depressed but there is this undercurrent of energy running all the time….. I’m highly emotional but the emotions tend to be negative (guilt and anger) I have intrusive thoughts and urges to mutilate myself (like wanting to stick my hands in the garbage disposal or cooking them on the BBQ). This is when I am most suseptible to suicide because I am depressed, wanting to hurt myself, and I have the mental energy to plan and carry it out.

There are not issues that cause depression or mania or any of the other Bipolar symptoms….. it is strictly because of changing chemistry in the brain. The changes happen completely randomly and have no “issies” triggering them. Most people’s brains are very good at regulating the levels of chemicals in their brains…. Thos with Bipolar do not have that regulation so our brains chemical levels swing all over the place…..

Q: Is manic depression able to be passed on to children?
I worry about my children. Are there ways to diagnose manic depression in young without making too much into just normal adolescent behavior?

A: It is widely believed that bipolar disorder/manic depression is genetic. It doesn’t usually rear it’s ugly head until later in life though, usually after the age of 25. If you are concerned about your children, you could have them see a therapist, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you really feel that they are spiraling out of control. If you take them to a therapist because of your own fears, they may end up resenting you for it.

Q: How do people find a job suitable for someone with severe manic depression, what sort of work do they do.?
Hi, i’m a long term sufferer of bipolar disorder or severe manic depression, i’d like to work but not sure how employers and other staff would react to me with my frequent changes of mood and if I was to work what sort of work would or could i do?
Of some of the comments I have read, people refer to the importance of keeping on the medication, others refer to the creativity of bipolar suffers and someone asked my interests- One of the problems I had is that I have 2 a levels in computer tech and an interest in mechanics and electrics, when I had been taking my medication for a long time I was having difficulty with what were for me simple tasks, at times I couldn’t figure out faults with my own computer that I built. Sure, the effects of the disorder are worse without the medication – but is it worth unlearning what I spent years studying out of boredom? It has caused family issues not being on the medication, but I find it hard to accept that i will progressivly become more stupid if i take them.

A: First off, try leveling out the swings by taking your medication. If it isn’t working, try something else. The biggest problem is that when you feel better, you tend to stop taking your medication. Some of the most creative people I know are manic depressives. Office work, where you work independently sometimes is the answer. You need to be around other people to help keep you on track. You have to go with your strong points and what you like to do. It’s better to fit into a job you like, than just take what others think you should have. Lots of people have mood swings, so work at leveling them off, with counseling or medication, but be consistant. You can be whatever you set your mind to be. Don’t give up!!!

Q: what are the short and long term effects of manic depression (aka bipolar disorder)?
I have to do a power point about manic depression for both my science and health class, and I’m not going to be anywhere near a computer for the next week and everything is due on next Sunday. If you think this sounds kind of hurried, then, yeah, it pretty much is.

But, I was wondering if anyone new a website or information about the long and short term effects of this disease. If you’re giving me information from a website, the website would be most helpful. If you dont know where you got the information from, I’m sure I can fudge something up.

Thanks!

A: website below for you hope you get it done in time.

Q: What to do about school loans since I was diagnosed as having manic depression & have trouble keeping work?
Just got out of school. I was diagnosed during my schooling as having manic depression. I don’t have a job and no matter how hard I try cannot seem to hold a job down for more than 4-5 months. Doc says I am high-high functioning whatever that means. I could be wrong, but I believe that disqualifies me from recieving disability. I now have over $16,000 in loans and the future looks dim. Like I could be homeless someday soon. Please help with any advice you may have. I’d be happy to talk to you too if you’d let me. Thanks.

A: I think it will be difficult for you to obtain benefits because (a) you graduated from college and (b) your doctor feels that you are high-functioning.

So here is what you can do:
1) Check you meds. They may not be the best combination to help you function.
2) Find a low-stress job, with flexible hours. It may not be your dream job, but you will be able to keep it and make money.
3) Get into therapy so that you can learn alternative methods for coping.

If you made it through college, you can make it through a job.
Just make sure you choose one that is low-stress and flexible.

Q: when was manic depression first diagnosed?
ok when was bipolar disorder/manic depression first diagnosed and by whom?
and how was it diagnosed?

A: A Brief History of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is perhaps one of the oldest known illnesses. Research reveals some mention of the symptoms in early medical records. It was first noticed as far back as the second century. Aretaeus of Cappadocia (a city in ancient Turkey) first recognized some symptoms of mania and depression, and felt they could be linked to each other. His findings went unnoticed and unsubstantiated until 1650, when a scientist named Richard Burton wrote a book, The Anatomy of Melancholia, which focused specifically on depression. His findings are still used today by many in the mental health field, and he is credited with being the father of depression as a mental illness.

Jules Falret coined term “folie circulaire” (circular insanity) in 1854, and established a link between depression and suicide. His work led to the term bipolar disorder, as he was able to find a distinction between moments of depression and heightened moods. He recognized this to be different from simple depression, and finally in 1875 his recorded findings were termed Manic-Depressive Psychosis, a psychiatric disorder. Another lesser-known fact attributed to Falret is that he found the disease seemed to be found in certain families thus recognizing very early that there was a genetic link.

Francois Baillarger believed there was a major distinction between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He characterized the depressive phase of the disease. It was this achievement that allowed bipolar disorder to receive its own classification from other mental disorders of the time. In 1913, Emil Krapelin established the term manic-depressive, with an exhaustive study surrounding the effects of depression and a small portion about the manic state. Within fifteen years, this approach to mental illness was fully accepted and became the prevailing theory of the early 1930’s.

In 1952, an article appeared in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disorder, analyzing the genetics behind the disorder, and revealing the likelihood that manic depression ran in families already stricken with the disorder. Throughout much of the 1960’s many with the disorder were institutionalized and given little help financially because of Congress’ refusal to recognize manic depression as legitimate illness. Only in the early 1970’s were laws enacted and standards established to help those afflicted, and in 1979 the National Association of Mental Health (NAMI) was founded.

In 1980, the term bipolar disorder (1980) replaced manic-depressive disorder as a diagnostic term found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-III). During the 1980’s research finally was able to distinguish between adult and childhood bipolar disorder, and even today more studies are needed to find the probable causes and the possible methods to treat the illness.

Q: is Citalopram used to treat Manic Depression?
I am 21. My doctor has been treating me with Fluoxetine for 5months but last week he put me off them and put me on Citalopram after i was experincing racing thoughts,decreased sleep,excessive spending, increase in energy ect. Will Citalopram help these symptoms? And is Citalopram used to treat Manic Depression?

A: as far as i know it isn’t used for manic depression but it should help you with the symptoms your describing, see how you get on with citalopram for a month if that’s not working it may be best if you saw a psychiatrist to take over prescribing medication, Dr’s are not all ways the best people to help with depression x

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citalopram

Q: Could someone please explain this diagnosis to me?Does it mean i have manic depression?
Hi i am 22. I live in Scotland. I was dicharged from the psychiatric hospital yesterday with a diagnosis of “Recurrent Depressive Disorder – probable Bipolar spectrum”. Could someone please explain this diagnosis to me?Does it mean i have manic depression?Thank you

A: yes, it does. manic doesnt mean maniac, it means you have highs followed by lows and vice versa, hence the bipolar spectrum bit on your notes. try not to read too much into it, it is easy for you to misinterpretate and make more of it than it is. i get pist off, and i looked at one of those medical questionnaires, and according to that im in deep trouble but hey, thats life. if you try to be rational it will help you. it will also help you to take any more questions you have to your doctor. you take care now xx

Q: Bipolar (manic depression) How do you handle the depressive rocketing out into mania?
My roommate has become a “Rocket Man” with manic behavior and I am stuck here with his mania. As I am bipolar myself, I am aware of the symptoms, but don’t know how to handle this guy.

A: Mania can be a very dangerous phase, and as for trying to control someone there – it is difficult.

Clearly if they are a friend then you need to watch out for them and try too stop them doing anything too dangerous or stupid.

Perhaps you can then talk when they are feeling better and ask them when it happens next time what they would like you to do for them.

Q: What is manic depression and how do you get a diagnosis?
What if all your friends, family and acquaintances say you are a manic depressive but no matter how hard you try to get help your doctor just says its anxiety?

A: manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, requires a psychiatric evaluation and that requires a psychiatrist. General practitioners are not equipped or trained in the finer skills of psychiatry, they are lucky if they got a semester in school. So, if you are concerned, see a psychiatrist.

Q: How do I find the courage to tell my doctor? (Manic Depression)?
I have been diagnosed with depression. I have been on medicine for months now and do not feel to much better then before. I have been reading up on depression and feel I may have manic depression. I am just so scared to tell my doctor or my husband. I do not want to be judged or thought of badly. But I do want the correct help. Please if anyone has any helping advise they could tell me let me know.

A: Manic depression aka bipolar disorder, is just another diagnosis, and in fact, is better understood than clinical depression. why you would need courage to tell your doctor your concerns is beyond me, he certainly isn’t going to label or judge you, and he may even be able to explain why you aren’t feeling better, and at the very least can tell you whether or not you are indeed bipolar. If it turns out you are, there are very effective meds for dealing with such a disorder. You have labeled and judged yourself, so you think everyone else will, and it just isn’t so. Bipolar disorder, like any other medical issue, simply needs to be recognized and dealt with, so make your appointment, go in and discuss your concerns.

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