Bipolar disorder is a type of brain disorder that can make the most ordinary and normal of moods appear very extreme. Sometimes referred to as manic depression or manic-depressive illness, this disorder is characterized by unusual extremes and highs and lows of mood, activity levels, energy and the ability to do regular everyday tasks such as get out of bed and go to work in the morning.

The causes of bipolar disorder are not completely understood by the medical community. However, doctors have noted that it does tend to run in families and therefore a genetic predisposition to develop it is suspected. It is believed that bipolar disorder is related to certain chemicals in the brain that have gotten out of balance. When this happens, it then makes it more difficult for the brain to do its work. Doctors also believe that bipolar disorder and hormone levels are connected with each other. Studies have shown that a link exists between the development of bipolar disorder and thyroid hormone levels.

Bipolar disorder can affect individuals of all different races and ethnic backgrounds. This is a disorder that has nothing to do with socioeconomic status, education level or chosen profession. Bipolar disorder often appears when an individual is in their teenage or young adult years. However it has often been known to show itself in children as young as six years of age and in older adults. Studies have shown that women who suffer from bipolar disorder tend to experience more depression then men do, and are at a higher risk for rapid cycling. Rapid cycling is when a person suffers from four or more mood episodes in any given year. Mood episodes or simply episodes are the name given to the mood swings that an individual who has been diagnosed with this disorder goes through.

Bipolar disorder is frequently mistaken for depression. Depression can be sneaky in that it can sometimes obscure other elements that point to a bipolar diagnosis. If substance abuse is added to the picture then it can become even murkier and may remain undiagnosed for a lengthy period of time.

Approximately half of all individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder visited three professional members of the healthcare community before a proper diagnosis was made. In the same way, an estimated 20 percent of those who go to see their doctor because they are depressed actually suffer from bipolar disorder. It is a sorry state of affairs to discover that it takes an average of 10 years for a person with bipolar disorder who is showing the symptoms to begin treatment and therapy, because it often takes this length of time for the diagnosis to be made.

Bipolar depression, also known as manic depressive disorder, is a serious form of depression that can't be ignored. Manic depressive psychosis can affect all aspects of a person's life, from their job to their relationships.

Posted under depression

Folks have been afraid of mental depression for years.

When you infuse the word mental into any illness it encourages some to believe that one has lost their mind.

It's not the case. Mental depression is a mental illness but it does not mean that you are crazy.

Drop the mental illness stereotypes.

Yes mental depression is a disease of the mind but it is a disease that can be treated effectively and you do not have to feel abnormal or inferior to other human beings.

This year 15 million people will be affected by mental depression.

But they're concerned about their image so only one third of them seek help. Your health has to be the primary concern.

Wishing away mental depression doesn't work.

The illness is persistent.

It strikes without notice. It doesn't care about your color or the god you worship.

Money means nothing to it. It does not care if you are young or old.

This disease has no boundaries.

Early detection can be a great boon when it comes to treatment.

However, mental depression is complicated and not easy to detect.

Everyone is down from time to time.

Mental depression isn't short term.

There are a variety of symptoms that may indicate mental depression.

People tend to stay by themselves.

Engaging activities may no longer amuse them.

Anxiety may increase and insomnia may result.

People may begin to eat more than usual or less than usual.

The ability to deal with those around them may be impaired.

Feelings of hopelessness may arise, and despair results.

Emotional and physical state will show signs of decay.

They can be suffering from mental depression and not even realize it. Sometimes we have to realize it for them.

Depression has many causes.

Stress can be a key. Stress itself is complex.

Stress comes from relationships and even the struggle to make ends meet.

There is also stress from losing someone you love.

In many cases it is believed that mental depression can be passed on genetically.

Many things cause depression. But many possibilities exist for treatment.

One typical treatment revolves around 'talk therapy'. This allows those that suffer to talk out their problems and look for positive reinforcement.

There are also medications like anti-depressants and natural herbs that have been proven effective as well.

There is a cure for mental depression that begins with treatment.

To find out more about chronic depression and how to deal with it visit cures for depression where you can learn more about all types of depression causes and cures.

Posted under depression

Manic depression, also called bipolar disorder, is a psychological illness that causes a mood disturbance. This mood disturbance can cause significant impairment and disruption of the person's life.

Symptoms Of manic depression affect the person cognitively, emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. Weird ability, euphoria, and depression are common emotional symptoms of manic depression.

A decreased need for sleep, fatigue, changes in sex drive, changes in appetite, and fidgeting behavior are some physical symptoms of manic depression. The fidgeting behavior common during episodes of depression is clinically referred to as psychomotor agitation. During a depressive episode, the person may also experience slowed physical actions referred to as psychomotor retardation.

During manic and depressive episodes, the person can experience increases or decreases in sex drive and appetite. Some people make experience increased appetite or decreased appetite during a depressive episode. Manic episodes often cause an increase in sex drive.

During a manic episode, the person may not become tired as usual and may feel as if they do not need to sleep. Depression can cause a person to have insomnia or to sleep more than usual.

Cognitive symptoms of manic depression can include perceptions of worthlessness and difficulty concentrating associated with depressive episodes. Racing thoughts, increased talkativeness, increased focus and goal-oriented activities, and distractibility are common symptoms of manic depression.

And increased involvement in activities for pleasure without regard to consequences is a behavioral symptom of manic episodes. During a manic episode, the person may engage in drug use or sexual indiscretions even if they would not normally do those things.

While mania causes the person to seek out pleasure, depression inhibits the person from experiencing pleasure. During a depression, the person may lose interest in activities that they once enjoyed.

Both depression and mania can cause psychotic symptoms. Psychotic symptoms are hallucinations or delusions that are not based in reality. The hallucinations and delusions of manic depression are different from those caused by schizophrenia. Hallucinations and delusions from manic depression are related to feelings of euphoria, guilt, or depression.

For example, someone who has manic may have the delusion that they have a superpower related to feelings of euphoria. Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts are severe symptoms of episodes of depression.If the symptoms of manic depression become bothersome, the person may need an adjustment in their medication to better control the symptoms.

Sheila Wilson explains what are the common manic depression symptoms and how to spot bipolar disorder in children in the early days. For details please visit her website to read on further.

Posted under depression