Manic Depression

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 11/19/2007 at 03:03PM

Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is characterized by extreme emotional highs and lows. People who suffer from manic depression uncontrollably bounce from happy and energetic to depressed and listless. It distorts both moods and thoughts and it destroys the basis for rational thought. Manic depression can be a serious and debilitating mental illness, but it can be managed. If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from manic depression, seek help. Read on to see and learn more about this serious condition.

Who Suffers From Manic Depression?

Manic depression affects nearly two million Americans. In many instances, the condition begins in childhood and worsens with age. Manic depression may have genetic roots, as it is known to run in families. Doctors have determined that a family history of the condition exists in about 60% of the cases of manic depression. Current research is focused on identifying genes that may increase the susceptibility to manic depression.

Symptoms of Manic Depression

As mentioned, manic depression is characterized by alternating patterns of highs and lows. The emotional highs are termed mania and usually involve feelings of euphoria, optimism, and inflated self-esteem. This phase might also include rapid speech and thoughts, agitation, and increased energy levels, as well as difficulty sleeping, recklessness, inability to concentrate, irritability, and a tendency towards distraction.

The emotional lows result in depression with symptoms such as persistent sadness, guilt, anxiety, or hopelessness, sleep and appetite disturbances, lethargy, loss of interest in hobbies or daily activities, inability to concentrate and suicidal thoughts. The length, severity and frequency of mood swing cycles may vary widely from person to person.

It’s also possible for both mania and depression to occur simultaneously. In this situation, sufferers may experience agitation, sleep and appetite disturbances, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis. Psychosis involves a detachment with reality in which the sufferer experiences hallucinations and delusions.

Causes of Manic Depression

The exact cause of manic depression has eluded doctors and researchers, but it seems to be triggered by a variety of biologic, genetic, and environmental factors. Clinical research has shown that there are distinct differences in the nerve cells or neurotransmitters of people who have bipolar disorder and those who do not. Substance abuse, stress, and psychologically traumatic events may contribute to or at least aggravate the ailment.

Diagnosing Manic Depression

Before your health care provider is able to diagnose you with manic depression, they will likely screen you to rule out other mental health conditions that could be producing similar symptoms. Other mood disorders, including schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and various personality disorders can often be mistaken for manic depression. They will also seek to determine if your mood swings have physical causes such as alcohol and drug abuse or a thyroid disorder.
Your health care provider will also likely evaluate any other medications you are currently taking along with your diet; as a simple deficiency of vitamin B-12 is another potential cause of mood swings.

Treatment for Manic Depression

Medication and therapy are the most common treatments for manic depression. Your doctor may use either of these treatments on their own or in combination with each other. In certain extreme cases, doctors may even use electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat manic depression.

Natural Medications: Lithium Orotate can be used as a supplemental alternative to the potentially dangerous prescription Lithium. Global Healing Center is currently conducting research for a new product called Relaxyn to be released in late 2006.
Therapy: Therapy is often used in combination with medications. A therapist will work with you to determine the patterns and triggers that lead up to an episode of manic depression. They can also help you determine a plan for managing the stress and uncertainties of this rollercoaster condition.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Doctors usually reserve this treatment for people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts in association with manic depression or for those who have found medication ineffective. ECT involves the use of electrodes, which are taped to the head. The patient is given a local anesthetic and a muscle relaxant and then a small amount of electrical current is passed through the brain. The current usually lasts for no longer than a second.

Researchers know that this treatment affects the brain’s metabolism and blood flow, but they are unsure exactly how this correlates to depression. Regardless, ECT works quickly, generally within the first week, and it significantly decreases untreated depression and the risk of suicide.

Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. Look for the product “Relaxyn” (a natural alternative to prescription anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds) to be released in late 2006. For more information, please visit the Web's best resource on stress, anxiety and depression at www.stress-anxiety-depression.org or www.ghchealth.com.