Manic depressive disorder is a mood disorder. Today, the name manic depressive has been replaced by bipolar disorder. Bipolar represents characteristics that are opposite to each other. The disorder causes mood swings from one extreme (euphoric) to the other (depression). This makes it a disorder that is difficult to deal with. Information about the disorder and tips about dealing with and caring for someone with the disorder can be very welcome. People with manic depressive disorder (bipolar disorder) fall emotionally from one extreme to another without any external cause; so from the height of euphoria to the depths of depression. The first episode can be either depressive or manic. Manic episodes, which can last from several weeks to several months, are usually shorter in duration and end more abruptly than episodes of depression. There are two different types of bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder type I and type II. Type I involves at least one full manic episode.
In many cases, manic episodes, depressive episodes and intermediate episodes (normal mood) alternate. It may happen that no clear episodes of depression have been present. It is believed that such episodes will arise in the future or may have been overlooked in the past. In some cases, a manic and depressive episode occur simultaneously. This is then referred to as a mixed type. Type II is associated with a milder form of mania, but with more frequent depression. Bipolar disorder type II involves one or more depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode (mild manic episode).
When does manic depression occur?
When determining the disorder, the manic episode and depressive episode must have occurred or are present at least once. Because these episodes are opposites of each other, both episodes must be diagnosed differently.
To speak of a bipolar disorder manic episode, the following characteristics must be present:
- Constantly irritable mood lasting at least one week
- Restrictions in work, social activities and/or relationships
Furthermore, there must be three or more of the following symptoms:
- Delusions of grandeur
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased talkativeness
- Thought flight (accelerated speech and abrupt changes in subject)
- Reduced ability to concentrate
- Increased activity
- Indulging in pleasurable activities that have a high probability of having harmful consequences
Manic depression also involves a depressive episode. This is characterized by a negative emotional state. This negatively changes motivation, functioning and cognitive ability. Depression is also a disorder in its own right. Manic depression can therefore only be properly diagnosed if a manic episode is present.
Causes and healing
There is still much uncertainty about the cause of manic depressive disorder. The disorder can be hereditary. The disorder can also arise under the influence of a combination of factors, such as psychological, social and biological causes. It can be said that manic depressive disorder is a chronic condition.
Manic depression cannot be cured. However, extreme mood swings can be controlled with medication, therapy and the help of family members. Unfortunately, the mood swings never go away. However, the person can lead a relatively normal life.
Caring for someone with manic depression
Caring for someone with manic-depressive disorder can be very difficult and require a lot of energy and patience. It is useful to take into account the way of communicating and interacting. This will be good for both the person who has the disorder and their loved ones.
- Take over some responsibilities temporarily, someone is more likely to be a danger to themselves.
- Encourage people to seek professional help; if they don’t want it, don’t persist in it.
- Don’t express too much anger, criticism or concern, as this will put more pressure on the person, which will actually create more tension.
- Don’t take the mood swings personally, the mood swings arise from the disorder.
- Try to stay patient.
- Don’t accept everything and set good boundaries for yourself. Calmly discuss with the person what your boundaries are.
- Ask those you can and cannot help with and try to find a balance.
- Learn to deal with the disorder. Courses are also given on how to deal with the disorder.
- Don’t forget yourself. Don’t forget to relax and do fun things. It’s good to take some distance every now and then.
- There will also be tough periods. make sure that there are people around you every now and then where you can vent.
- Make sure there is good contact with the practitioner, so that questions can always be asked to an expert.
- Respond positively and give compliments when he or she does something positive.
