Manic Depression Symptoms & Diagnosis
Manic depression, or alternatively, bipolar disorder, is a mental health disorder that is characterized by recurring episodes of depression and mania. It is diagnosed by a psychiatrist only after a thorough examination and mental health history have been completed.
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Manic Episodes
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A person who is having a manic episode will experience unusually high moods, during which he or she may be very irritable and sleepless. The person may also engage in risk-taking behaviors and find it hard to concentrate on tasks.
Depressive Episodes
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During a depressive episode, one will experience feelings of sadness, anxiety and feelings of decreased self-worth. These symptoms can be so serious as to develop into suicidal ideation.
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Psychotic Symptoms
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A portion of the many people diagnosed with bipolar disorder will also experience psychotic symptoms during intense manic episodes. These may include auditory or visual hallucinations, paranoia and delusions.
Diagnosis
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A diagnosis of one of two types of bipolar disorder is given when a patient has experienced both manic and depressive episodes and a thorough physical examination has ruled out possible physical causes for the presenting symptoms.
Types
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A patient is diagnosed with bipolar I if he or she has had any psychotic symptoms, and Bipolar 2 if no psychotic symptoms are present and the manic episodes are less prominent than depressive episodes.
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