Bookmark This Page

Delicious Google Bookmarks Stumbleupon Digg BlinkList Blogmarks Facebook Ma.gnolia Reddit Twitter Yahoo My Web Livejournal

The Symptoms of Manic Depression

Manic depression symptoms are marked by dramatic mood swings, from very low lows to very high highs. Individuals with manic depression symptoms have these mood swings repeatedly. Some may have them every day while others may have mood swings which occur over several months. Between these mood swings most individuals will be calm and have a peaceful mood.

Manic depression symptoms usually first appears in young adulthood. However, manic depression symptoms may appear as early as childhood. Since manic depression is a mood disorder it can affect activity and energy levels, sleeping patterns, speech, thinking, judgment and even appetite. Manic depression occurs in approximately one percent of the population. Unfortunately, most people who have manic depression go without being diagnosed and receive no treatment.

The manic depression symptom of the high mood is called mania. The low mood of manic depression is aptly known as depression. The cycling of manic depression symptom can disrupt normal life such as work, school and even relationships. When an individual is having a manic depression symptom that is low, they may not have the energy to even get out of bed and care for themselves. When a person has a manic depression system that is high, they may overindulge in things such as spending money, drugs, alcohol and sexual activities.

Here are the manic depression symptoms of mania that someone may exhibit:

• The person feels very happy and optimistic
• The person may be very irritable, aggressive, angry, intrusive or provocative
• The person has impaired judgment and is unpredictable and reckless. He or she may become excessively involved in high risk or pleasurable activities that could hurt him or her.
• The person has a high amount of both mental and physical energy. The person is very excited, feels their intelligence is high and the person may be very creative.
• The person talks rapidly or in extremes.
• The person does not sleep or has a decreased need for sleep.
• The person may have an inflated ego. He or she may become delusional or have hallucinations
• The person may be extremely sociable, yet is easily distracted and restless.
• The person has no idea that their mood or the way they are behaving is abnormal.

Here are the manic depression symptoms of depression that someone may exhibit:

• The person may be very tearful and sad. The person may feel very hopeless and helpless.
• The person will feel worthless and have very low self-esteem.
• The person may have an indifferent or “flat” mood and take no pleasure in life.
• The person has a decrease in energy and is fatigued.
• The person has a decreased interest in sex.
• The person may feel angry, anxious, guilty or worried.
• The person’s speech slows down and he or she talks less.
• The person has a difficult time concentrating and making decisions.
• The person withdraws from social interaction.
• The person may have a change in his or her appetite.
• The person may sleep less or more than usual.
• The person may develop suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

Individuals who are suffering from manic depression symptoms will often seek out help during the low phase rather than the manic phase. However, there energy levels may be so low that they are unable to function and seek out help. It is important that people who are manic depressive have a good support to come to their aid when they need help.