| Manic depression or as it is also known Bipolar | | | | * Denying that there is something wrong |
| Disorder is a mental illness that causes the sufferer to | | | | The diagnosis of a manic episode mostly occurs in an |
| have rapid shifts in mood of such a magnitude to | | | | individual when there are three or more manic |
| affect an individuals normal functioning. | | | | depression symptoms and they are accompanied by |
| The symptoms of manic depression are quite wide | | | | an elevated mood. Then again, if the mood is primarily |
| ranging. They normally include large mood swings, | | | | characterized by high irritability then it must be |
| ranging from an extreme high, occasionally with | | | | accompanied by another four symptoms. In either |
| irritability, to an extremely low and hopeless mood and | | | | case, the manic depression symptoms must be |
| back again. In between these two poles of mood are | | | | noticeable for most of the day, nearly every day for |
| periods of normal mood. As a ratio, the low and | | | | at least a week. |
| depressive mood is most common at a ratio of 3 to 1 | | | | Manic Depression Symptoms - Depressive Episode |
| manic, or high, mood. | | | | During a depressive episode, the manic depression |
| Manic Depression Symptoms - Manic Episode | | | | symptoms may include: |
| When a person has symptoms of manic depression | | | | * Relentlessly feeling sad or empty |
| and they experience "mania" it is known as a manic | | | | * High levels of anxiety |
| episode. | | | | * Feeling hopeless/pessimistic, Dwelling on negative |
| A manic episode is usually characterized by these | | | | thoughts |
| manic depression symptoms: | | | | * Feeling guilty/worthless |
| * An extreme increase of energy, increased | | | | * A lack of motivation and/or energy and feeling like |
| participation in physical and mental activities or | | | | there is nothing worth making an effort for |
| restlessness | | | | * No interest in activities usually found pleasurable |
| * An extreme high or euphoria and an overly good | | | | * Low or no energy |
| mood. | | | | * Feeling like you are being slowed down or fatigued |
| * Heightened irritability | | | | * A loss of memory and trouble concentrating on one |
| * Fast talking and occasionally jumping from on topic to | | | | thing at a time |
| the next as a result of ideas and thoughts racing | | | | * Can't make decisions |
| through the individuals mind | | | | Annoyance, rage or petulance |
| * A reduction in concentration levels and being | | | | * Having not enough or too much sleep |
| distracted very easily | | | | * Appetite change and/or weight loss/gain without any |
| * Not needing a lot of sleep | | | | explanation |
| * Egomania and a belief in one's abilities and powers | | | | * Physical symptoms that are not caused by physical |
| regardless of how unrealistic they may be. | | | | illness or injury, such as aches and pains |
| * A lack of good judgment | | | | * Suicidal or death related thoughts, possible suicide |
| * Spending money regardless of whether it is available | | | | attempts |
| to spend or not | | | | A person in a depressive episode who is suffering |
| * The abnormal behavior lasts for a long period of time | | | | with manic depression symptoms needs all the help |
| * An increase in sexual drive | | | | they can get. Throughout the depressive episode, |
| * Abusing drugs, in particular alcohol, cocaine and | | | | there is a greater possibility of suicide and it is strongly |
| medications to aid sleep | | | | advised that professional help is found as soon as a |
| * Aggressive, invasive or confrontational behavior | | | | person starts talking about suicide. |