http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/ Articles at The Article Planet en-us http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/health/depression/how-bipolar-disorder-affects-the-life-of-a-manic-depressive-patient.html http://articles.mychoicedeals.com/health/depression/how-bipolar-disorder-affects-the-life-of-a-manic-depressive-patient.html Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:24:20 -0500
Manic depression is characterized by mood disturbances known as depression and mania. In addition to episodes of mania and depression, the person may have milder forms of mania called hypomania or mild forms of depression called dysthymia.

These episodes of mania and depression can be very difficult to deal with for the person with bipolar disorder. The common symptoms of mania include insomnia, euphoria, irritability, and impulsive actions.

Depressive episodes can be a severe enough to cause suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. Dealing with a mood disturbance can cause the person to question their normal moods. If a person feels sad or even just discontent, the person may wonder if it is the beginning of a depressive episode.

When symptoms of both mania and depression are present, the person is having a mixed episode. Some people with bipolar disorder feel that mixed episodes are the most frustrating form of bipolar disorder symptoms. During a mixed episode, the person may alternate between feeling depressed and hopeless and feeling euphoric and invincible. The switching of the mood can occur as often as several times an hour.

One of the most stressful aspects of bipolar disorder for the individual in their family is that bipolar disorder may cause them to do things that they would normally not do. The actions can be impulsive and you're responsible during an episode even though the person normally may be very responsible and even conservative.

Life for a manic depressive patient may be focused on managing the disorder and trying to control symptoms. The symptoms may be severe enough to inhibit the person from maintaining gainful employment. This disorder can also interfere with a person's interpersonal relationships.

Many times, the manic depressive patient must try numerous combinations of medications before finding a combination that controls the symptoms without having severe side effects. There is no cure for manic depression. People with bipolar disorder are often on medication for the rest of their lives.

In addition to medication, therapy can help the manic depressive patient cope with the illness. Many manic depressive patients use art, writing, relaxation techniques, and hobbies to help cope with the stress of the disorder.

Often, the onset of manic depression occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood. This is often the time that a person is attending college or beginning a career. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder does not necessarily stop a person's career goals, but it can interfere. ]]>