Manic Depression Symptoms and Signs

What is Manic Depression?

Manic depression, also called bipolar disorder, is a type of depression that goes from one end of the spectrum to the other. It results in extreme shifts of highs and lows in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior. Manic depression symptoms can last for months, and greatly impact the person's functionality due to the intensity of the mood changes.

In the manic event, reckless impulse takes center stage and the person may quit their job, charge up huge amounts on credit cards, or feel rested after sleeping two hours. After a mood swing to the depressive mode, this person may feel too tired to get out of bed, and full of self hate and hopelessness due to having no job and being heavily in debt.

The causes of manic depression are not entirely understood, but are known to have a hereditary factor. It may initially present sometime in the teenage years and in young adults. Additionally, the symptoms are not easily recognized and often go untreated due to misdiagnosis. With treatment, a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder can live a rewarding life without much difficulty.

Manic Depression Symptoms:

Manic depression symptoms look very different in different people. The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime.

Four types of mood episodes include:

• Mania


• Hypomania


• Depression


• Mixed episodes

Mania symptoms include:

• Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic or extremely irritable


• Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers


• Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic


• Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up


• Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next


• Highly distracted, unable to concentrate


• Impaired judgment and impulsiveness


• Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences


• Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)

Symptoms of bipolar depression include:

• 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

Symptoms of a mixed episode:

Depression combined with: Agitation, Irritability, Anxiety, Insomnia, Distractibility, and racing thoughts.

The mix of high energy and low mood is a high risk for suicide. A person diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be contemplating suicide if they have thoughts of death or suicide. It is important to get educated and learn to recognize these signs and to get help immediately. The more you know, the better you’ll be at assisting your own or a loved one's recovery.

by Barb Hicks, RN