Manic depression is an ambiguous and not entirely correct term, which, however, entered into wide practical use among some specialists.
By the term "manic depression" it is customary to understand bipolar disorder or manic-depressive states of different severity, under which there is a simtomocomplex with pronounced alternating manic and depressive phases, as well as increased emotional lability.
Bipolar or manic-depressive disorder can take extremely severe and severe forms requiring treatment and / or correction.
Manic-depressive disorders
Manic-depressive disorders of any severity do not cause subsequent degradation of the personality. The disease should be clearly distinguished from schizophrenia , although some experts demonstrate different points of view (as well as approaches to treatment, both medicamental and psychotherapeutic). And yet, it should be noted that with the bulk of forms of schizophrenia, general degradation of the individual (including intellectual and social) is noted, and in manic-depressive states, there is no. This should be taken into account. In addition, suffering from bipolar disorder of one or another degree of severity, as a rule (except for cases of special intellectual denseness), is able to understand and realize that there is "something wrong with it" and one should turn to specialists. The schizophrenic, as a rule, is sure that he is healthy. In addition, the schizophrenic has clearly expressed delusions and states, he is, in some way, divorced from reality (and / or included in another reality).
Manic depressive state - symptoms and signs
The first manifestations of the states of manic-depressive type are more characteristic for people of young age, more often they are in women.
The manic phase of the disorder is characterized by:
- overly elevated and excited mood;
- euphoric state;
- excessive self-esteem;
- excessive speech activity;
- motor excitement.
In behavior, some irritability, aggression and provocation may also be noticeable.
The manic phase is replaced by a depressive phase, for this state the following symptoms are characteristic:
- sadness;
- yearning;
- apathy;
- negative feeling of emptiness;
- anxiety;
- loss of interest in activities that previously aroused interest;
- irritability and excessive anxiety;
- feelings of helplessness and hopelessness;
- aggravation of guilt complexes;
- inability to concentrate;
- lack of vital energy;
- physical, intellectual and speech retardation.
Sleep and appetite disorders and suicidal thoughts are also possible.
If you find signs that demonstrate a manic-depressive symptom complex, you should definitely contact a psychologist, a psychotherapist or a psychiatrist. If you do not carry out psychocorrection or drug treatment, the condition can develop to severe painful forms that are difficult to bear both by the patient himself and others.