Manic Depression

Manic depression is actually the colloquial term for bipolar depression, and one of the symptoms of a larger mental illness known as bipolar disorder. Manic depression is one of the less common varieties of depression. Nevertheless the affects of this type can be devastating. The “manic” in manic depression actually refers to one of the two extreme mental poles experienced by patients with this depression type. In the manic phase the patient exhibits an unusually high level of energy and euphoria; in the opposite phase the patient exhibits severe symptoms of depression. An individual with manic depression will sometimes cycle rapidly back and forth between these two poles. However, it is generally the case that people suffering from manic depression spend most of the time in the depressive pole.

Due to the fact that manic depression is less common than other types, a lot of previous research did not specifically address those with the condition. Fortunately, this is beginning to change. Treatment has progressed much in the past decade, so that different combinations and types of pharmaceuticals are being tested for relative effectiveness. The specific treatment for a given patient will vary depending upon the particular sub-type of manic depression they experience and the psychiatrist with whom they consult.

Many with manic depression liken the condition to a carousel spinning from one pole to the next at varying speeds. Manic depression is a unique condition, but there are cases of successful treatment and recovery. The best is for people with manic depression to seek out and support one another as they progress through not only their own mental cycles, but the long and rewarding road to recovery.