How Do You Know if You Have Manic-Depression
Nancy was doing very well until about two years ago when Phil,
her boyfriend of 9 years, broke-up with her. It was a difficult
moment for her especially after she learned that Phil eventually
married her cousin. Since then, Nancy had deteriorated. One
evening, she was involved in a motor vehicular accident because
she was driving fast and recklessly in a quiet suburban
neighborhood.
During interrogation, the cops noted that Nancy was talking
rapidly and nobody could interrupt her. Also, she was making
jokes and laughing so loud. She further indicated to them that
she was on her way to meet the President and his top officials
about her invention that could cure the oil crunch. She
eventually ended up in the emergency room where she was
diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder after intensive
evaluation.
Bipolar disorder or manic-depression is manifested by highs and
lows. When a patient like Nancy is on the manic side, there is a
persistent feeling of euphoria or irritability associated with
lack of need for sleep, excessive energy, agitation, fast and
loud speech, increase in goal-directed activities such as
spending sprees and establishing businesses with no appropriate
plan, and hypersexuality.
Patients with this disorder develop poor judgment and
impulsivity. They become irritable and can lash out easily even
if not provoked. Some patients have delusions of grandeur. When
this happens, patients think that they have special powers,
talents, and influence.
When not manic, patients either feel normal or depressed.
Depression in bipolar disorder has the same manifestation as
major depression that consists of feelings of sadness associated
with neurovegetative signs and symptoms such as inability to
sleep, eat, and concentrate. Energy level is also impaired. In
addition, patients experience a feeling of hopelessness,
worthlessness, and helplessness. Suicidal ideation may ensue.
For individuals who develop mania, does it always mean that they
suffer from bipolar disorder?
Not necessarily. Mania can be caused by various medical and
neurologic conditions. For instance, multiple sclerosis and
stroke can present with manic symptoms. Moreover, medications
and street drugs may precipitate mania. Steroids, cocaine, and
amphetamine are some examples. Even some antidepressants can
induce mania.
So when a person shows mania, the physician usually does
intensive evaluation to rule out medical, neurologic, and
medication-induced conditions before diagnosing bipolar
disorder. This process is important because the treatment varies
depending upon the cause. Once other conditions are ruled out,
then bipolar disorder can be safely diagnosed and treated.