MDA
is funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA),
community donations and is a member of the
BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information.
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Manic
Depression
Signs:
The
distinction between bipolar illness and other depressive disorders
is that patients swing from depression to mania, generally with
periods of normal moods in between
the two extremes. Some patients, however, cycle from mania to
depression and back within a few days and without a period of
normal mood. People with this condition
are called rapid cyclers.
Symptoms:
- A mood
that seems excessively good, euphoric or expansive
- Expressions
of unwarranted optimism and lack of judgment
- Hyperactivity
and excessive plans or participation in numerous activities
- Flight
of ideas, grandiose plans
- Racing
thoughts
- Impulse
buying
- Decreased
need for sleep...allowing patient to go with little or no
sleep for days without feeling tired
- Distractibility
- attention easily diverted to inconsequential details
- Sudden
irritability, rage or paranoia
On the depressive
side of the illness the symptoms are the same as unipolar depression
ie. Feelings of worthlessness, prolonged sadness, irritability,
withdrawal from activities, physical pains etc.
Solutions:
- Get an
accurate diagnosis from a psychiatrist
- Take
medications as advised once diagnosis is established
- Monitor
signs ie. change in sleep patterns and at onset seek medical
help before mania or depression
sets in
- Join
a support group to gain
information and support from
fellow sufferers
- Educate
yourself on your illness!
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MDA
FACT SHEETS
Download
them all
Effects
on the Family
Electro
Convulsive Therapy
Medications
Myths
and the Facts
Preventing
Risky Behaviours
Types
of Bipolar Disorder
What
Can I do to Prevent
Future Manic Episodes
What
Causes Bipolar Disorder
What
Does it Feel Like
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