Manic Depression |
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DESCRIPTION
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This illness is typified by moods that see-saw between mania (over-excitement, over-activity, and unreasonably good feelings) and depression (extreme sadness). These repeated swings between two emotional poles have earned this illness the name "bipolar disorder."
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CAUSES
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Bipolar disorder is thought to result from chemical changes in the body and brain. It is sometimes triggered by a stressful event. Your odds of developing the problem are higher if: Someone else in your family has had a mood disorder, especially a bipolar disorder. You are in your late teens or early twenties. You are under a lot of stress.
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SYMPTOMS
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Symptoms usually begin suddenly, but occasionally develop gradually. The mood swings may be obvious to other people before you become aware of them. During both the manic and depressive phases, there may be changes in your: Eating or sleeping habits Weight Energy level Feelings about sex Desire to be with other people Feelings about the future Some people with this disorder develop impulses to hurt themselves or others.. During periods of mania, you may find yourself: Talking too fast Spending too much money Showing bad temper Abusing drugs or alcohol Saying things that don't make sense Having hallucinations Thinking very highly of yourself Becoming preoccupied with sex During periods of depression, you may: Prefer solitude Eat too much or too little Sleep a lot or not at all Cry a lot Have trouble concentrating Have difficulty making decisions Suffer low self-esteem Have thoughts of suicide
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CARE
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The standard treatment for this disorder is the drug lithium, with an antidepressant sometimes added during low periods. If the manic phase throws you totally out of control, a hospital stay may be necessary. At first, you will probably need to visit a clinic or doctor's office 1 to 4 times a month. Before treatment begins, the doctor may order blood tests, an x-ray, EKG, or a CT scan to rule out other illnesses.
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