This page is for people with manic depression, their families
and friends, and anyone else interested in learning more about this challenging illness. In it, you will find answers to common questions about manic depression---questions about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments---and learn about support groups for people with manic depression. You'll also learn how you or your loved ones can cope with manic depression.

Manic depression is also called:
bipolar disorder
manic-depressive disorder
bipolar mood disorder
bipolar affective disorder

Q. What is Manic Depression?
A. Manic depression is a medical illness that affects how people think, feel, and behave. People with manic depression experience feelings of mania (feeling very high) and feelings of depression (feeling very low). these feelings are different from normal changes in mood. From time to time, everyone experiences periods of uplifting happiness or deep sadness. But people with manic depression have mood changes that are much more intense than normal. These mood changes ay last for weeks or months. People who only experience depression have a different illness known as major depression or unipolar depression.

Manic depression is a serious medical illness that, left untreated, can be devastating to patients and their families and friends. Manic depression can disrupt relationships, ruin careers, and increase the risk of death from accidents. There is an enormous financial cost to individuals and to society caused by manic depression.

There is, however, hope for people with manic depression. Once the illness is properly diagnosed, treatment can help many patients return to more healthy and productive lives.

Many people with manic depression go undiagnosed--and untreated--for years. It is important that people with symptoms of manic depression seek medical help, either from their primary doctor or from a psychiatrist. Often, a family member, friend or employer must convince the person to seek help.

Alcohol or illegal drugs do not cause manic depression--but they can make diagnosis difficult. Many people with manic depression abuse alcohol or drugs. Once a manic-depressive patient is being treated, other substances and alcohol may interfere with their medication.

Q. How Many People Have Manic Depression?
A. Over 2 million Americans have manic depression. It is usually an adult illness, but often begins during the teenage years. It affects men and women of all races and nationalities.

Q. What Causes Manic Depression?
A. The exact cause of manic depression is not known, but it is believed to result from imbalances of certain brain chemicals. Heredity may also play a role. the risk of developing manic depression is higher in close relatives of a person with the disorder than in the general population. Sometimes, a stressful life event such as loss of a job or a death in the family may trigger an episode of mania or depression. At other times, episodes occur for no apparent reason. Researchers continue to study manic depression and learn more about it each year.

Q. What Is Mania?
A. During a period of mania--sometimes called a manic episode-- a person's mood is abnormally high, euphoric, or irritable. Manic symptoms vary from person to person and from episode to episode. A manic episode may last 1 week, 2 weeks, or several weeks. Symptoms of mania can include:
irritability, impatience
grandiosity, inflated self-esteem
rapid, nonstop speech
racing thoughts
decreased need for sleep
increased energy
difficulty concentrating
excessive spending
poor judgment
aggressive behavior
possible hostility

Some manic patients may also have psychotic symptoms of delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing visions).

A manic person may behave recklessly, make poor decisions, abuse drugs or alcohol, act impulsively, engage in risky sexual behavior, or spend money foolishly. The manic person may not even realize the destructive nature of their own behavior and may resist help from others.

Q. What is Depression?
A. During depression, or a depressive episode, a person's mood may be described as sad, blue, down-in-the-dumps, or unhappy. Self- esteem is low, thoughts are negative, and the depressed person may lose interest in normal activities and may lose the ability to experience pleasure. Concentrating and decision making may be difficult. Anxiety and/or agitation are common features of depression, although some depressed people are too drained of energy to be either agitated or anxious.
Symptoms of depression can include:
sad, unhappy, blue, or irritable mood
loss of interest in usual activities
inability to experience pleasure
social withdrawal
difficulty concentrating
fatigue, lack of energy
insomnia or oversleeping
loss of appetite or overeating
feelings of guilt and worthlessness
thoughts of death or suicide

Physical signs of depression include changes in sleeping patterns and eating habits. Fatigue, pain, and loss of interest in sex are common. Depressed people may feel guilty, hopeless, and helpless. Social withdrawal and thoughts about suicide may occur.

Depressive symptoms vary from person to person and from episode to episode. A depressive episode may last for 2 weeks or longer.

Q. Are There Different Types of Manic Depression?
A. Yes, there are three major types of Manic Depression:

Bipolar 1 disorder is characterized by the presence of one or more manic or mixed episodes. Depressive episodes usually occur too.

Bipolar 2 disorder is characterized by highs that are never more severe than hypomania (less severe mania) together with major depressive episodes.

Cyclothymic disorder refers to frequent episodes of hypomania and mild depression occurring over at least a 2-year period.

Q. What Are Mixed Episodes?
A. Up to 40% of people with manic depression experience symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time, or during the same period of time. Mixed episodes can be especially troublesome because they may be more difficult to treat.

Q. How Long Does Manic Depression Last?
A. Manic depression lasts for many years. Episodes can become more frequent and symptoms can become more severe over time.

Between manic or depressive episodes, people may return to normal or near-normal functioning. The pattern of episodes can be fairly regular---sometimes even seasonal---or can be very unpredictable. Some people have only one or two episodes a year; others experience frequent "cycling" of moods. People who have four or more episodes a year are known as "rapid cyclers."

Q. How Is Manic Depression Diagnosed?
A. Doctors diagnose manic depression by learning about the patient's symptoms. The patient is usually the main source of information; however, the patient's family, friends, and employer can also help the doctor understand the patient's symptoms. The doctor needs a detailed history of the patient's present and past behaviors to make a correct diagnosis. There are no laboratory tests that can confirm a diagnosis of manic depression.

Q. Can Manic Depression Be Treated and Cured?
A. There is no cure for manic depression; however, this challenging illness can be successfully treated so that many patients can return to their normal lives.

Once manic depression has been diagnosed, it can be treated several ways, chiefly with medication. There are medications approved for the treatment of mania associated with m anic depression and other medications approved for the treatment of depression.

Almost always, manic depression is treated with medication, along with psychotherapy or professional counseling. While medication can help control the symptoms of the disorder, counseling can help the patient deal with the social issues and stresses that trigger mania and depression. Medication and counseling are both needed to maximize the success of treatment.

With proper treatment, most people with manic depression can achieve the mood stability that will allow them to lead more fulfilling and productive lives.

Q. If I Have Manic Depression, What Can I Do To Help Myself?
A. There are many steps a person with manic depression can take to improve their lives. These steps include:

Seek help from doctors, counselors, or support groups.
Work with your doctor and follow the treatment plan that will probably include medication and counseling.
Make sure you take your medication every day as directed by your doctor. Even when your mood is stable, you need to continue taking your medication.
Avoid abusing alcohol and other drugs. They can worsen your symptoms, making a correct diagnosis more difficult, and complicate your illness by interfering with your medications.
Lead a healthy lifestyle. Get plenty of exercise. Eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Get the proper amount of sleep you need. Try to minimize the stresses in your life. Talk to your doctor about maximizing your overall health.

Q. What Should I Know About My Medications?
A. Because medications work differently for different people, the therapy your doctor selects depends on its effects on you. You should learn as much as you can about your medication, and report the effects to your doctor as your medication may then need to be changed or adjusted.
You should also learn:

How much medication to take for each dose
When to take your medication
How long you will probably be taking your medication
How the medication is likely to affect your moods.
When the effects should be expected (will the medication take effect immediately, or will it take more time?)
What side effects may occur with this medication
When should you talk to your doctor about the medication's effects

The following tips can help you take your medication as it is prescribed:

Use a pill box marked with the days of the week. Fill it at the beginning of each week to help you keep track of whether you took your medication.
Take your medication at regular times every day. This may be first thing in the morning, at mealtimes, or before you go to bed.
Use a calendar or diary to keep track of your medicaition schedule Ask a friend or family member to remind you when to take your medicaiton

Q. How Can I Get Help?
A. If you suspect that you, a family member, or a friend has manic depression, you should consult a mental health professional. This can be done through your family physician, your health maintenance organization (HMO), or your community mental health center.

Since correct diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, see someone who is knowledgeable about manic depression. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness including manic depression. Psychiatrists can provide counseling and prescribe medications. While they cannot prescribe medications, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and mental health counselors can provide counseling.

Q. What Are Self-Help and Support Groups?
A. Joining or at least talking to people in the following organizations can be of great benefit to people with manic depression and their families. These groups provide information, educational materials, and may have support groups in your area.

Please call, write or email for more information.

The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (NDMDA).
NDMDA
730 North Franklin Street, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610
PHONE: 1-800-82-NDMDA
www.ndmda.org

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NMHA).
NAMI
200 North Glebe Road, Suite 1015
Arlington, VA 22203-3754
PHONE: 1-800-950-NAMI
www.nami.org

The National Mental Health Association (NMHA).
NMHA
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2971
PHONE: 703-684-7722
www.nmha.org

This information came from a booklet I picked up while at my doctor's office. I hope it was of some help for you!
God bless