Manic DepressionIf you experience depressive symptoms and feel sad all the time, you're
probably suffering from what doctors call a "unipolar" disorder. But
some older people develop another type of depression called "bipolar"
disorder or manic depression, in which their low moods alternate with
episodes of mania or exaggerated elation. Although the disorder tends
to show up earlier in life.
Here are the warning signs of mania. (Mania can also occur on its own, unaccompanied by periods of depressed mood.)
Unlike other types of depression, manic episodes tend to develop suddenly, within a period of days or weeks.
The
person seems to be in an unusually cheerful or "high" mood all the
time, although there may also be periods of suspicion or irritability
that can lead to violent outbursts.
There's often extreme
physical and mental restlessness the person seems to be rushing around
constantly from place to place, project to project, thought to thought.
Speech is unusually loud and rapid, and it's difficult for someone else to stop or interrupt the flow of conversation.
The person spends much less time sleeping or resting.
There's
often a lack of judgment, which can lead to involvement in high-risk
activities such as gambling, shopping sprees, new business ventures or
investments, and sexual promiscuity.
The person may show signs
of grandiosity or inflated self-esteem, imagining himself to be someone
famous. Sometimes this can progress to actual hallucinations or
delusions.
Manic episodes can be extremely debilitating for
the sufferer and upsetting for family members who must cope with their
relative's frantic activity. In extreme cases the person must be
hospitalized to protect him self and others. If you or someone you know
seems to be suffering from manic depression or mania alone, it's
important to get treatment right away.
Your doctor will want
to rule out delirium and eliminate the presence of an underlying
physical illness such as a thyroid disorder. She will also examine
whether the behavior might be a side effect of certain medications for
example, some tranquilizers, ulcer drugs, antidepressants,
anti-Parkinson drugs and amphetamines can cause manic symptoms, as can
alcohol and cocaine.
Treatment for manic depression involves
medication in the form of lithium salts, which can stabilize moods in
about half of all sufferers. Because lithium usually takes about two
weeks to become effective, you may also be given a short course of
antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol, or other drugs such as
carbamazepine and valproic acid, which can stabilize your moods.
Since
lithium can be toxic in excess, you will probably need to have regular
blood tests. Common side effects include thirst, frequent urination,
nausea, diarrhea and weight gain. Here's some advice to remember should
you or someone you know be diagnosed with manic depression.
Most
researchers now believe that manic depression is a hereditary disease
involving an imbalance in brain chemistry. This means that the symptoms
aren't under your control, and you shouldn't blame yourself for your
behavior.
It's absolutely vital that you continue taking your
lithium, since you can easily suffer a relapse. If side effects are a
problem, let your doctor know.
|
