manic depression for dummies
...s, over familiarity, increased sexual energy, and a decreased need for sleep are common traits of hypomania. Concentration and attention may be impaired, thus diminishing the ability to settle down to work or to relaxation and leisure, but this may not prevent the appearance of interests in quite new ventures and activities. Considerable interference with work or social activity is consistent with a diagnosis of hypomania, but if disruption of these is severe or complete, mania should be diagnosed. The increased activity and restlessness (and often weight loss) must be distinguished from the same symptoms occurring in hyperthyroidism and anorexia nervosa; early states of "Agitated Depression", particularly in late middle-age, may resemble hypomania of the irritable variety. Patients with severe obsession disorders may be active part of the night completing chores, but their affect will usually be the opposite of that described. Some manic depressives have psychotic tendencies while others have minor symptoms of emotional issues. Psychotic manic depressives are usually delusional and have distorted images of themselves. They often have an incredible self-esteem but have issues with personal hygiene and aggression. Often this type of depression is mistaken with schizophrenia particularly if the stages of development through hypomania have been missed and the patient is seen only at the height of the illness when widespread delusions, incomprehensible speech, and violent excitement may be present. Occasional hallucinations or delusions as specified for schizophrenia and are also common with manic depressive patients but if these symptoms are prominent and persistent, the diagnosis of a schizophrenic disorder is more likely to be appropriate. During a depressive episode a patient may feel reduced concentration and attention; reduced self-esteem and self-confidence; ideas of guilt and unworthiness (even in a mild type of episode); bleak and pessimistic views of the future; ideas or acts of self-harm or suicide; disturbed sleep; diminished appetite. The bipolar illness is caused by as yet unknown imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain. Manic depression is often referred to as a neurobiological disorder that is caused by “misfiring” of neurotransmitters in the brain. Some research has shown that manic depression does seem to run in families, and that it seems to have more to do with genes than with upbringing. It seems that the parts of the brain which control our moods don’t work properly - this is why the symptoms of manic depression can be controlled with medication. Episodes of illness can sometimes be brought on by stressful experiences, lack of support, or physical illness. So, it’s no use expecting someone with this problem to just “get over it”. Treatment of manic depression will usually be started with anti-psychotic drugs. These are sometimes called major tranquillizers because the older anti-psychotics (Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol) have this effect. They also have other unpleasant s...