Depression Treatment Care

Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that goes beyond the day’s ordinary ups and downs, and is becoming a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country. Manic depression is characterized by periodic episodes of extreme elation, happiness, elevated mood, or irritability (also called mania) countered by periodic, classic major depressive symptoms.

More than 2 million American adults, or about 1 percent of the population age 18 and older, have manic depression in any given year. The condition typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, some people experience their first symptoms during childhood, while others develop them later in life. Manic depression is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, manic depression is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life.

What Causes Manic Depression?

Many mood swings are caused by imbalances in blood sugar levels or by food allergies. The most important nutrient for the brain is glucose- the fuel it runs on and in order for our brains to work effectively we need a steady supply of glucose. Any imbalance in the supply of glucose to the brain results in a range of symptoms including fatigue, irritability, dizziness, insomnia, excessive sweating (especially at night), poor concentration and forgetfulness, excessive thirst, depression and crying spells, digestive disturbances and blurred vision. People with elevated blood sugar levels may become high, whereas low blood sugar is associated with depression

We predominantly produce glucose by breaking down carbohydrate foods and in order to ensure that our brain gets a steady supply of glucose it is important to avoid sugar and sugar containing foods as these cause a sudden surge in blood sugar level and surge in energy followed by a drop as the body attempts to rebalance .Blood sugar balance is also disrupted by too much stress and stimulants, including cigarettes.

Symptoms of Manic Depression

The following are the most common symptoms of manic depression. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:

• Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down”
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Restlessness or irritability
• Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep
• Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
• Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Manic symptoms may include:

• overly inflated self-esteem
• decreased need for rest and sleep
• increased distractibility and irritability
• excessive involvement in pleasurable and/or high-risk activities that may result in painful consequences; this may include provocative, aggressive, destructive, or anti-social behavior (i.e., sexual promiscuity, reckless driving, reckless spending, abuse of alcohol and/or drugs).
• increased talkativeness (may include increase in rate of speech, changes topics quickly, cannot be interrupted)
• excessive “high” or euphoric feelings
• severe mood changes including unusually happy or silly, or unusually angry, agitated, or aggressive
• increased sex drive
• increased energy level
• uncharacteristically poor judgment

Treatment For Manic Depression

Specific treatment for manic depression will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include either, or a combination, of the following:

• medication (i.e., mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants such as lithium, valproate, or carbamazepine, and/or antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil)
• psychotherapy (most often cognitive-behavioral and/or interpersonal therapy that is focused on changing the individual’s distorted views of themselves and the environment around them, working through difficult relationships, and identifying stressors in the environment and how to avoid them)
• electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Recognizing the varied and extreme mood swings associated with manic depression is crucial in obtaining effective treatment, and avoiding the potentially painful consequences of the reckless, manic behavior.

In most cases, long-term, preventive treatment is necessary to stabilize the mood swings associated with manic depression.