Warning Signs of Manic Depression

Manic depression, clinically referred to as bipolar disorder, is a serious mood condition that is characterized by cycling between episodes of extremely elevated mood, called mania, and extremely low mood, referred to as depression. While there are a variety of treatments available to control symptoms, there is no cure for the disorder. If left untreated, bipolar disorder can severely affect the quality of an individual's life and jeopardize their ability to maintain employment and personal relationships. There are two distinct types of warning signs for manic depression--warnings of the development of the condition, and warnings of the onset of a specific episode.

Genetic Warning Signs

The most important warning sign for the development of the condition is the potential for developing the condition at all. Bipolar disorder is a predominately genetic condition, meaning individuals who have a family history of the condition are much more likely to develop it than individuals who have no genetic link. Medical professionals have identified at least three genes that, when mutated in certain ways, will manifest as manic depression. As there is no test to check for such mutations, the best way to establish risk is through taking a family history. However, it is important to keep in mind that serious emotional trauma or extreme hormone imbalance can also cause the condition.

Age Warning Signs

Another key warning sign for the development of the disorder is age. Manic depression most commonly manifests in clinical form during late adolescence or between the ages of 18 and 24. The onset of the disorder may at first appear to be similar to the typical hormonal and emotional volatility of this age period; however, it will quickly become abnormally extreme and uncontrollable. However, within the past 10 years, there has been a drastic increase in the number of pediatric and infant cases of manic depression diagnosed, so it is possible that the condition may manifest earlier.

Manic Epsiode Warning Signs

The warning signs for the onset of a specific manic episode are very easily distinguishable due to their unique combination. Individuals who are experiencing the start of a manic episode will be able to note a rapid and abnormal increase in their physical energy over a period of several days. This energy will be accompanied by a reduced interest in or need for sleep, along with a lack of desire for food. Speech patterns will become increasingly fast and thoughts will start to move faster. A marked increase in creativity and the need to create will coincide with these other symptoms, along with the urge to engage in risky behavior such as shopping sprees, sexual promiscuity and substance abuse.

Depressive Episode Warning Signs

The warning signs for the onset of a depressive episode tend to occur over a period of five days to seven days, and are characterized by a sudden loss of desire to get out of bed in the morning accompanied by irrational feelings of guilt, sadness or numbness. Individuals slipping into a depressive episode will notice an increased craving for foods that are higher in sugar and carbohydrates, such as breads, cakes and pastries, as well as an increased craving for alcohol. A lack of interest in daily or pleasurable activities, such as work, hobbies and family, will become pervasive, and in severe cases fledgling thoughts of self harm and suicide will also occur.

Psychotic Episode Warning Signs

Psychotic episodes, where a manic depressive individual has a break with reality, are possible during either a high or low episode and have specific warning signs of their own. The most characteristic warning sign of a psychotic episode is hallucinations. A hallucination is when an individual hears, sees, smells, tastes or feels something that is not actually there. In particular, hearing voices is exceptionally common in manic depressive psychotic episodes. Delusions coupled with paranoia or conspiracy accusations are also warning signs of a psychotic break, as is the inability to talk in sequential, coherent, complete sentences. A difficulty understanding the spoken communication of others is also another warning sign.