You Should Know What Manic Depressive Disorder Is

Manic Depressive disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by the pronounced and rapid change of mood of an individual. The age group that is most commonly affected with this disorder is early adults to middle aged individuals.

People who are suffering from Manic Depressive disorder show very pronounced mood swings. The mood may rise to an extreme manic episode and change to a depressed state. The change may have a rapid onset, or it may have episodes of normal mood before the mood changes.

There are a lot of factors that are believed to be related to the condition. Biochemical imbalances within the body may be one of the factors that can trigger such condition. There are also known biological factors that have been known. A fluctuation or change in the normal levels of the neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine may precipitate the occurrence of the condition.

Environmental factors should also be considered. An increase exposure to stressful stimuli may also be an underlying factor leading to the condition. Unexpected losses, poverty and social isolations experienced by an individual who has defective coping skills may result to the development of the condition.

Genetics can also contribute to the development of the condition. It is believed that if parent has suffered from the condition before there is a likelihood of 25% that the offspring may develop the condition as well. If both parents have had the condition before, the risk of their children developing the condition raises up to 50-75%.

During manic episodes certain manifestations may be shown by the individual. Persistent elevated or irritable mood can be observed. Impulsivity like spending money and giving away of possessions may be seen in the individual. There may be interference or intolerance to criticism, as well as impairment in social and occupational functioning of the individual. Other symptoms and manifestations may be seen.

In a depressed state, the individual may show behaviors opposite to that of the manic episode. A pronounced feeling of sadness, guilt and anxiety is shown by the individual. They may lack energy and can become unenthusiastic in doing activities that they have enjoyed before. Anorexia or loss of appetite can also be observed. Although the depressed individual may feel fatigued, they may also manifest insomnia or the inability to sleep during the depressed state.

Psychotherapy and pharmacologic treatment can be used in treating the condition. At times both are used together to achieve a better effect. Mostly psychotherapy is preferred over pharmacologic treatments because of the many side effects that come from the drugs. If taken improperly the patient may manifest a relapse and experience either mania or depression.