Manic Depression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Manic Depression - Essay Example There is not a specific year for this illness to appear but it is a long-term disorder that has to be treated carefully all along the patient's life (NIMH, 2008). NIMH points out the following about this mental disorder: "Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful behaviors, destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often erodes the desire and will to live. It is an illness that is biological in its origins, yet one that feels psychological in the experience of it; an illness that is unique in conferring advantage and pleasure, yet one that brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and, not infrequently, suicide." It is relevant to note that during the manic episode the person can feel very creative, and it is well known that very intelligent people has suffered from this illness. One dangerous feature of the bipolar disorder or manic depression is the fact that during severe crisis the patient can experience psychotic symptons like hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or sensing the presence of things that are not actually there) and delusions (false, strongly held beliefs not influenced by logical thinking or explained by a person's cultural concepts) (NIMH, 2008). These psychotic symptons appear according to the manic or depressive state the patient is experiencing. For example, delusions of grandiosity thoughts reflect a manic state, and suicidal thinking reflect a depressive state (NIMH, 2008). It is important to differentiate between major depression and mania as Conrad Stppler remarks it: "What differentiates bipolar disorder from major depression is the occurrence of manic episodes, often described as emotional "highs," between the episodes of depression. Symptoms of manic states are varied and include restlessness, increased energy, euphoric mood, racing thoughts, poor judgment, intrusive or provocative behavior, difficulty concentrating, and a decreased need for sleep. People experiencing manic episodes often speak