Bipolar manic depression is
distinguished from major depression by at
least one episode of mania. Any episode in this disorder is classified
as either manic, depressive, or mixed depending on what its predominant
features are. The disorder itself is a neurological dysfunction that
causes abnormal swings in someone’s mood or ability to function. It is
much different than every day ups and downs that everyone experiences
as the symptoms of bipolar manic depression are very severe. In adults,
it generally results in broken relationships, inadequate job
performance, and often suicide. The upside to bipolar manic depression
is that while incurable, it is treatable, and individuals with this
illness can go on to lead very productive and full lives.
The National Institute of Mental Health states that approximately 5.7
million Americans have bipolar manic depression. Onset typically begins
in late adolescence or in the early adult years. It can be experienced
in early childhood as well, or not occur until later years. Very often
it is not seen as an actual illness, and a lot of Americans suffer for
many years before they are correctly diagnosed or even treated.
Unfortunately, much like heart disease or diabetes, bipolar manic
depression is a life long illness that must be controlled throughout
the person’s life.
Bipolar manic depression results in very strong emotional swings that
can range from an extremely high state to an irritable or hopeless one.
It will then swing back and can very often be accompanied by normal
mood or affect in between episodes. Extreme changes in behavior and
energy level accompany these mood changes and emotional swings. The
states of highs and lows are termed episodes of bipolar manic
depression. The episodes are categorized as either mania episodes, or
depressive episodes.
The manic phase in Bipolar Manic Depression is diagnosed when an
increased or excited mood occurs almost every day for one week or
longer. If the mood state is an irritable one, more symptoms are
expected to be present. The depressive phase in Bipolar Manic
Depression will be diagnosed if the depressive symptoms last for more
than two weeks. A mild or moderate level of mania in Bipolar Manic
Depression is called hypomania. This will be an overall feel good
feeling and is often associated with normal functioning and increased
productivity.
The various states or moods of Bipolar Manic Depression are seen as a
spectrum, or exist on a range of emotions. The range starts from severe
depression, to the blues, to a balanced overall mood, to a mixed or
almost good state of hypomania, to a severe state of mania.