Manic depression is a mental illness that was recently renamed bipolar disorder by the psychiatric community. The disorder is characterized by extreme changes in mood that can take the sufferer from the depths of a serious depression to a manic high that can lead to self-destructive behaviors.
Signs
The most noticeable sign of is that a person changes between periods of depression and periods of mania. These periods can last a few days to a few months or longer.
Depression
The depressive state has all of the hallmarks of depression, including disordered sleep and a disinterest in things that the sufferer previously cared about.
Dangerous Symptoms
People in the depressed stage of may have thoughts of suicide or otherwise harming themselves.
Mania
The manic state is a euphoric time when a manic depressive person feels invincible. He may make rash life decisions such as starting a business or getting married while in this state.
Manic Symptoms
Other manic symptoms include rapid talking, sleeplessness and recklessness with money.
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