Treatment for Manic Depression in Women

Manic depression, also known as Bipolar disorder, is a serious medical and mental health illness that causes drastic alterations in a person’s mood, energy, and even their ability to function regularly. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe and can be quite crippling depending on the individual. These symptoms are different from the normal ups and downs of life that people experience from time to time, and tend to create far more stress for those who suffer.

Manic depression can result in damaged relationships, poor performance at work or school, and even thoughts of suicide. But manic depression can be treated, and women who battle with this illness can make astonishing and inspiring recoveries when they are properly diagnosed and treated.

Manic depression most often develops in a woman’s late teens or early adult years, so should come as no surprise that most women find themselves struggling with this illness early on in life. It is noted that at least half of all cases of manic depression start before age 25, and some women will experience the first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life.

Signs of Manic Depression

Women may be having an episode of manic depression (bipolar disorder) if they exhibit a number of manic or depressive symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least one or two weeks, showing signs that this condition is chronic. Symptoms are sometimes so debilitating that an individual cannot function normally at even the most simple tasks whether at work, school, or in the home.

Symptoms of manic depression can practically be split down the middle into 2 categories, pertaining to the ‘manic’ side and the ‘depression’ side. The reason manic depression is so devastating is because the two categories are such different feelings and behaviors that the mood swings from one end of the spectrum to the other can be very confusing.

‘Manic’ Symptoms of Manic Depression:

Mood-

• A long period of feeling “high,” or an overly happy or outgoing mood

• Extremely irritable mood, agitation, feeling “jumpy” or “wired”

Behavior-

• Talking very fast
• Racing thoughts
• Being easily distracted
• Increasing goal-directed activities
• Being restless
• Lack of sleep
• Overconfidence
• Behaving impulsively and taking part in a lot of pleasurable, high-risk activities

‘Depression’ Symptoms of Manic Depression:

Mood-

• Extended period of feeling worried or empty
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities

Behavior-

• Feeling tired
• Having problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
• Being restless or irritable
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Feeling worthless or hopeless
• Decreased appetite/weight loss
• Over-eating/weight gain
• Thinking of death or suicide, or attempting suicide

Treatment for Manic Depression

Manic depression (bipolar disorder) is typically considered a chronic long-term condition. However there are a variety of effective treatments available for women with manic depression that can have a lasting impact. Individuals with bipolar disorder often seek treatment according to what part of the cycle of symptoms they are currently experiencing. So of course when in a manic phase, an individual may believe they have no further need for treatment because of the confidence and energy. When in the depressive phase, they often feel the need to seek out help in their desperation.

Treatment for manic depression can be divided into three general categories. Acute treatment focuses on suppressing current symptoms and continues until remission. Continuation treatment prevents a return of symptoms of that same phase, and maintenance treatment is designed to prevent those harmful symptoms from reoccurring.

The risks of long-term medication use must be weighed against the risk of getting caught up in another episode, but there are several forms of therapy and holistic healing approaches which hold great value to actively building defenses and coping skills against manic depression. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-777-9588