MANIC DISORDERMikayla Hudson

 This a project for a high school AP Psychology course. This is a fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For questions about this blog project or its content please email the teacher, Laura Astorian: laura.astorian@cobbk12.org

Definition• Manic depression, more commonly known as bipolar

disorder, is a disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.

Causes• Bipolar disorder has no single cause; however it is known that this disorder

sometimes has a genetic component and often runs in the family. • External environmental and psychological factors are also believed to be

involved in the development of bipolar disorder. The following is a list of all possible environmental triggers of bipolar disorder.

• Stress • Substance Abuse • Medication • Seasonal Changes• Sleep Deprivation 

Prevalence• Bipolar disorder is a very common.• There are more than 3 million US cases per year• More than 51 million people worldwide suffer from bipolar

disorder

Who is at Risk• At least half of the cases of Bipolar disorder start before

the age of 25. • Some people have their first symptoms during childhood,

while others may develop symptoms later in life

Types of Bipolar Disorder• Bipolar I Disorder (mania or a mixed episode) – This is

the classic manic-depressive form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode.

Types of Bipolar Disorder• Bipolar II Disorder (hypomania and depression) – In

Bipolar II disorder, the illness involves episodes of hypomania and severe depression.

Types of Bipolar Disorder • Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild depression) –

Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder that consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the symptoms are less severe than full-blown mania or depression.

Manic Phase vs Depressive PhaseIndividuals with bipolar disorder are often torn between manic and depressive phases.

Manic Phase• Feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria

are common during the manic phase. During this phase, people often feel as if they are invincible.

• However, people often behave recklessly during a manic episode and may also become angry and aggressive. Some people even become delusional or start hearing voices.

Manic Phase Signs and Symptoms

Talking rapidly Feeling unusually optimistic OR extremely irritable

Sleeping Very Little

Highly Distractible Acting Recklessly and Impulsively

Hypomania • A less severe form of mania• People in a hypomanic state feel euphoric, energetic, and

productive• Hypomania can result in bad decisions that harm

relationships, careers, and reputations. In addition, hypomania often escalates to full-blown mania or is followed by a major depressive episode.

Depressive Phase• Bipolar depression is likely to involve irritability, guilt,

unpredictable mood swings, and feelings of restlessness.• People with bipolar depression also tend to move and

speak slowly, sleep a lot, and gain weight.

Depressive Phase Symptoms•Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty•Irritability•Inability to experience pleasure•Fatigue or loss of energy•Physical and mental sluggishness

•Appetite or weight changes•Sleep problems•Concentration and memory problems•Feelings of worthlessness or guilt•Thoughts of death or suicide

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder• Some diagnostic tests that doctors might conduct are:

• Physical exam:  may help identify any medical problems that could be causing one’s symptoms.

• Psychological evaluation:  mental health assesses one’s thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns.

• Mood charting: A record of moods, sleep patterns or other factors that could help with diagnosis

Treatments• Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment

• People who skip maintenance treatment are at a high risk of a relapse of symptoms or having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.

• Day treatment programs• Substance abuse treatment• Hospitalization

Treatments/ Medications• Medications may include:

• Mood stabilizers• Antipsychotics• Antidepressants• Antidepressant-antipsychotic• Anti-anxiety medications

Lifestyle Changes To Make • Lifestyle changes to stop cycles of behavior that may

worsen bipolar disorder• Quit drinking or using illegal drugs• Do not engage in unhealthy relationships• Get regular physical activity and exercise• Get plenty of sleep

Alternative Medicine• Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve depression associated with

bipolar disorde• Magnesium may lessen mania and the rapid cycling of bipolar

symptoms. More research is needed to confirm these findings.• St. John's wort may be helpful with depression. However, it can also

interact with antidepressants and other medications, and it has the potential to trigger mania in some people.

• S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) appears to help brain function related to depression. It isn't clear yet whether it's helpful in people with bipolar disorder.

• Acupuncture may relieve depression

Sources• http://

www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-signs-and-symptoms.htm

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20027544

• http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145403