Nov
23
2009
What Does Manic Depression Mean (bipolar)?
Posted by: Alan in Manic Depression, tags: Bipolar, Depression, Does, Manic, Mean, What
ok the mental health nurse today said they think i have manic depression cofused on what this means will i be on meds?
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November 23rd, 2009 at 4:19 am
Hi–From high to low. From mania to depression. From recklessness to listlessness. These are the extremes associated with bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by mood instability that can be serious and disabling. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness — manic behavior is one extreme of this disorder, and depression is the other.
The deep mood swings of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months, causing great disturbances in the lives of those affected, and those of family and friends, too. Today, a growing volume of research suggests that bipolar disorder occurs across a spectrum of symptoms, and that many people aren’t correctly diagnosed. Left untreated, bipolar disorder generally worsens, and the suicide rate is high among those with bipolar disorder. But with effective treatment, you can live an enjoyable and productive life despite bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition that requires lifelong treatment, even during periods when you feel better. Bipolar disorder treatment is usually guided by a psychiatrist skilled in treating the condition. But you may have others on your treatment team as well, including psychologists, social workers and psychiatric nurses, because the condition can affect so many areas of your life.
Effective and appropriate treatment is vital for reducing the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes and allowing you to live a more balanced and enjoyable life. Maintenance treatment — continued treatment during periods of remission — also is important. People who skip maintenance treatment are at high risk of a relapse of their symptoms or having minor episodes turn into full-blown mania or depression. If you have problems with alcohol or substance abuse, you must get treatment for those, too, since they can worsen bipolar symptoms.
Here are the core treatments for bipolar disorder:
Medications:
Medications are a vital part of bipolar treatment. Because medications for bipolar disorder can cause serious but rare side effects, you may be reluctant to take medications. But you can work with your psychiatrist and other health care professionals to find a medication regimen that works for you.
Medication options include:
Mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers are most the commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder. These medications help regulate and stabilize mood so that you don’t swing between depression and mania. Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) has been widely used as a mood stabilizer and is generally the first line of treatment for manic episodes. Your doctor may recommend that you take mood stabilizers for the rest of your life to prevent and treat manic episodes.
Anti-seizure medications. The medications are used to prevent mood swings, especially in people with rapid cycling bipolar disorder. These medications, such as valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal), also are widely used as mood regulators. These medications are also known as anticonvulsants.
Antidepressants. Use of antidepressants in bipolar disorder, although once common, is now controversial. Antidepressants may not be advised at all, depending on your situation. There’s limited data indicating that antidepressants are effective for bipolar disorder, and in some cases they can trigger manic episodes. Before taking antidepressants, carefully weigh the pros and cons with your doctor.
Other medications. Certain atypical antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) and risperidone (Risperdal), may help people who don’t gain benefits from anti-seizure medications. And anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, may help improve sleep. In addition, one medication, quetiapine (Seroquel), has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat both the manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder.
Numerous medications are available to treat bipolar disorder. If one doesn’t work well for you, there are many others to explore. Your doctor may advise combining certain medications for maximum effect. It can take several weeks after first starting a medication to notice an improvement in your symptoms.
Be aware that all medications have side effects and possible health risks. Certain antipsychotic medications, for instance, may increase the risk of diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. If you take these medications, talk to your doctor about being monitored for health problems. Also, mood-stabilizing medications may harm a developing fetus or nursing infant. So women with bipolar disorder who want to become pregnant or do become pregnant must fully explore with their health care providers their options and the benefits and risks of medications.
Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy is another vital part of bipolar disorder treatment. Several types of therapy may be helpful.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a co
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:32 am
Bipolar means two poles….as in two poles of mood. Also called manic depression as that described the two poles. Mania, and depression.
It is a mood disorder where the person experiences episodes of depression, and episodes of mania. Depression is more understood, mania not as much. Mania is not just “really happy”. Mania is a high energy period that can be either euphoric (happy/hyper energy) or dysphoric (angry/raging energy)…or some of both. With both there are racing thoughts and distorted perceptions. Also many impulsive/reckless behaviors/decisions due to the distorted perceptions(that’s where excessive spending, hypersexuallity and things like that come in).
Depression just feels like a deep pit you cant get out of, and unlike situational depression, there is nothing you can address, change, or cope with to pull yourself out of it. Often energy is so low that even getting out of bed takes a huge effort….and sometimes is next to impossible. Could overeat…..or barely eat at all. Thoughts of suicide are common, but usually in the severe end of depressed state they don’t happen as you just don’t have the energy to make a plan….much less follow through with it. Suicide risk is higher when depression seems to be getting better as you still do feel the hopelessness, but finally have the energy to follow through with it.
There are also “mixed episodes” where symptoms of both poles are mixed…….the hopelessness and despair of depression, along with the agitation, racing thoughts, and energy of mania. (Actually i think this state has a higher risk of suicide….why suicide rates are so high with bipolar then with just depression…..i think the stats are 25-30% of people with bipolar attempt and 15-20% succeed….unfortunately I’m part of the % of people that attempt, fortunately not succeed…but both of my attempts did come during a severe mixed episode.)
Episodes can last several weeks to many many months(not withing days other then ultra rapid cycling which is very rare), its not really “mood swings” so much as it is drastic shifts in mood when the mood episodes do change.
Also episodes generally are not due to environment. Could be severely depressed when everything in life is just about perfect. Could be raging and angry from mania, with no reason to be angry over anything(but watch out if someone or something gives you a reason to be angry when already raging…..isnt pretty). Could be happy and feel like nothing could hurt you and nothing could go wrong, but be in a position that you are going to lose your job, about to be evicted from your apartment and have your car repoed for non payment because you overspent on other things……but still feel like you can manage everything.
Is primarily treated with mood stabilizers. Lithium being the longest used, and still one of the most effective for most people. Many anticonvolsents have been found to be very effective mood stabilizers. Many people are also treated with anti-psychotics (even without psychotic episodes, anti psychotics are very effective with treating manic symptoms), anti anxiety meds (anxiety is often also present with bipolar), and anti depressants (must be done very carefully and never without a mood stabilizer……antidepressants can easily trigger severe mania, especially without mood stabalizer…..been there, not fun)
The word bipolar is often very incorrectly used anymore for anyone that is moody, exhibits 2 opposites in behavior(mean/nice, happy/sad), has a temper and so on. That is completely incorrect
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:22 am
Manic depression or bipolar as it is now named can cause extreme mood swings without warning. Yes you will be on medication which will eliminate the highs and lows of your moods. This will enable you to cope with life’s challenges in the normal mid range of mood levels.
At least depression is most of the time treatable and therefore manageable. With medication no one will notice any difference from anyone else. Your will be and appear totally normal. Ask your diagnosing doctor for further information.
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:19 am
Swinging from extreme elation to deep depression – major highs and lows. Yes, there is medication, but try exercise and B vitamins (B 12 especially) before you resort to drugs. The drugs have horrible side effects – mostly weight gain.
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:06 am
it means u can go from being the happiest person in the world to being the biggest ***** all in the same minute, but not on purpose, and yes they do have meds for that
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Like going from sky high one minute then being depressed and suicidal the next, yes they do have medication for that. Good luck xx hope all goes well
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
It means you are happy one minute and sad/angry..etc the next minute. Kinda like mood swings but much worse.