Manic Depression Symptoms
A manic episode is defined as a period of unusually high and irritable mood and increased energy and activity. It usually lasts for an entire week, and it could be present all the time.
Manic episodes can cause people to exhibit psychotic symptoms, like hallucinations. If this occurs the person may have to be admitted to hospital to receive treatment.
1. Feelings of joy
In a manic stage it is possible to be excessively excited or exuberant. You may also experience energetic, restless or anxiety. Other signs of mania include an inflated sense or extreme optimism and racing thoughts, a diminished need to rest, talking fast and changing topics quickly while speaking. Distraction and inability to maintain concentration are also common.
People with bipolar disorder frequently experience periods of mania together with depression. This is referred to as a mixed episode and it is a risk.
The good news is that the majority of episodes of mania can be managed with medications. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and antidepressants are all able to aid in managing your symptoms. You may need to test various medications before you find one that is effective for you. Some people need to take medications for the rest of their lives.
Treatment for manic depression is the best way to avoid dangerous episodes. Talk therapy (psychotherapy), can help you identify early warning signs and manage your condition better. Psychotherapy techniques include cognitive behavior therapy and insight-oriented psychotherapy.
Some people use alcohol or drugs when they are experiencing a manic episode. This can cause a worsening of their symptoms. Drug abuse can also affect the effectiveness of some treatments for depression and mania.
It's important to get assistance as quickly as you can if you are experiencing a manic-like state. Consult a mental health specialist or visit an emergency room. It's recommended to let your family and friends know what's going on with you in order to alert you if something seems off. They could also be helpful in providing support during a manic episode by encouraging you to remain secure and taking care of the practical needs.
2. Feelings of despair
Everyone has mood swings. But those who suffer from bipolar disorder have more extreme mood shifts than other people. They suffer from highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The change in their mood may affect sleep, energy, activity levels and judgment. These episodes can last for several weeks or more. They can also happen multiple times a year.
A manic episode is an abnormally high, happy or irritable state of mind that involves a lot of activity. It should be a major shift from the person's normal mood and is so obvious to family and friends that they are aware. It could be characterized by excessive behavior, such as spending excessively or driving recklessly. When a manic episode occurs, it is common for someone to experience psychotic symptoms such as delusions or visions. It is important that people with bipolar disorder seek medical attention in the event of any indications of mania or depression. Worries about stigma may stop people from seeking treatment, but a combination of medications and therapy can reduce the frequency and severity of these episodes.
People suffering from bipolar disorder may also experience periods with no symptoms. But the most common type, bipolar I disorder, involves having at minimum one manic episode, and a period of major depression. Another kind, known as bipolar II disorder, has a history of periods of hypomania, but not a manic episode. Cyclothymic disorders, formerly known as manic-depressive disorders are a type of bipolar disorder where the patient experiences a variety of episodes of hypomania, but does not experience a manic episode.
Bipolar disorders can be caused by a mix of factors including genetics, stress and environmental pressures. Certain substances, like alcohol or drugs, can cause these disorders. They can also be triggered by certain diseases or injuries, such as Cushing’s disease or stroke.
3. Feelings of guilt
The feeling of guilt is common for those who suffer from an episode of manic. During the manic phase you might believe that you've done something wrong, even though your actions aren't unlawful or inconvenient. It is essential to talk openly about your condition with your family and close friends. They can help you recognize early signs that you're beginning to slide into mania and act as a buffer when you're feeling depressed.
In a manic episode you may also be highly irritable and irrational, with the pressure of your speech and conversations, rapid responses and slower reaction times. There are also hallucinations or delusional ideas. It is important to inform your doctor if you experience any strange thoughts or feelings during the manic phase. A therapist is required to examine these symptoms.
You can obtain prescriptions for antipsychotic drugs, such as the haldol (Haldol) and clozapine (Clozaril) or loxapine (Loxodone) to treat severe manic episodes. Newer medications, like cariprazine (Vraylar), Aripiprazole (Abilify) and Lurasidone (Latuda) can also be used to treat mania and reduce the chances of it recurring.
A person suffering from bipolar disorder has extreme mood swings that range from emotional highs, called hypomania or mania, as well as lows, known as depression. These extremes can affect your sleep, energy, ability to concentrate, and quality of life. Other signs include changes in appetite or a feeling being unworthy.
4. Feelings of inadequacy
Many people with manic depressive disorder feel worthless and don't believe they are worthy of their existence. This feeling is particularly acute during manic episodes, which can be characterized by a high self-esteem and impulsive or reckless behavior and increased activity levels. iampsychiatry.com who experience more severe manic episodes may have unorganized thinking or hallucinations, false beliefs, or hallucinations. These are often referred to as psychotic symptoms. In these instances the patient should be admitted to a hospital for security reasons.
Psychiatric treatment is a good way to manage and stop mood swings. Medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics can be prescribed to help reduce and control mania and depression. Talk therapy is important and a combination treatment is usually the most efficient. Psychotherapy methods that have been proven to work include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), social and interpersonal rhythm therapy psychoeducation and family therapy. Information and experiences shared by support groups can be beneficial. Electroconvulsive therapy, which consists of short periods of electric current being applied to the brain is utilized in extreme cases of mania or depression (if bipolar) that aren't responding to other medications or talking therapies.
Although scientists don't know what causes bipolar disorder, they do understand that certain things can trigger it. This includes changes in energy levels, sleep issues and injuries or illnesses that are specific to the patient. Some people are afraid of stigma and are reluctant to discuss with their doctors the symptoms of depression or mania. However early diagnosis and treatment can prevent more serious episodes.
5. Feelings of devalued
Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic-depression) is an illness of the mind that causes extreme mood swings. You might feel very happy, euphoric or energetic (manic symptoms) and at other times, you may feel despairing, depressed and sad (depressive episodes). Sometimes, people experience manic and depressive symptoms at the at the same time, a condition known as an episode with mixed symptoms.
During manic episodes, you might have difficulty thinking clearly and may act more in a reckless or impulsive manner than usual. There may be hallucinations or delusions that are false beliefs that do not correspond with the reality you perceive and hear (see Symptoms of Psychosis). Hospitalization is often necessary for those suffering from severe manic episodes to prevent them from harming themselves or others. Suicidal thinking is common during manic episodes, and could be life-threatening for people suffering from this condition.
With the assistance of a physician or other mental health professional, you are able to be treated. If you seek treatment early, it can help prevent an episode or reduce the frequency of them. Therapies for talking such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to change negative patterns of behavior and improve your relationships. A healthy lifestyle, such as a good sleep routine and regular exercise, can also help.
It is possible to test several different medications before settling on the one that works for you. You may also have to take part in support groups or therapy for your family to learn how to deal with the disorder and how to support your loved ones. In rare cases electroconvulsant therapy, also known as ECT is a method to treat manic-depressive episodes. This involves applying brief periods of electrical current to your brain. This treatment is not for everyone, but it can be very helpful.