Bipolar Disorder Effects
Manic depression is a common term for bipolar disorder. Life of a manic depressive patient is often impacted by the disorder. Some people with manic depression may have severe symptoms while others may only have mild symptoms.
The mood disturbances caused by bipolar disorder are known as mania and depression. If the mood disturbance is not severe enough to be labeled as a true manic or depressive episode, the disturbances are called hypomania for mild manic symptoms and dysthymia for mild depression.
Mania and depression can be stressful and sometimes overwhelming. Mania can cause a decreased need for sleep, impulsively, euphoria, and irritability.
Depressive episodes can be a severe enough to cause suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. Dealing with a mood disturbance can cause the person to question their normal moods. If a person feels sad or even just discontent, the person may wonder if it is the beginning of a depressive episode.
Mixed episodes caused by manic depression have symptoms of both mania and depression. A mixed episode can be very frustrating. During a mixed episode, the person may feel irritable one minute, severely depressed later that day, and invincible and euphoric minutes later.
During episodes of mania or depression, the person may do things that they would normally not do. For example, a person who is financially responsible may waste hundreds of dollars during a manic episode. This can cause a great deal of frustration for the person with the disorder and their families.
Life for manic depressive patient may be focused on coping with the disorder. Symptoms may interfere with the person’s ability to hold a job or have relationships.
Unfortunately, there is no medical testing to determine which medication will effectively manage the symptoms. The right combination of medications must be found by trial and error which is a process that could take years.
In addition to medication, therapy can help the manic depressive patient cope with the illness. Many manic depressive patients use art, writing, relaxation techniques, and hobbies to help cope with the stress of the disorder.
Often, the onset of manic depression occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood. This is often the time that a person is attending college or beginning a career. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder does not necessarily stop a person’s career goals, but it can interfere.
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