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.
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