Those suffering from manic depression have been observed to have varying patterns of behaviour. For example, some would have a predictable pattern of behaviour while others have random emotional outbursts. Only a small minority of patients do not suffer recurring episodes of manic depressive disorder.
Studies revealed that by using lithium, the recurrence of depression is greatly reduced thus reducing the need for treatment.
- Bipolar 1 – Patients have one or more manic episodes. It is not necessary for a person to be suffering from depression in order to have bipolar 1 disorder.
- Bipolar II - The patient will suffer episodes that involves severe depression and likewise hypomania. It is said that the presence of hypomania serves to present the bipolar situation in contrast with a unipolar depression.
- Cyclothymia – A person is said to be suffering from manic depressive disorder if he or she experiences more than one episodes of hypomania coupled with many episodes of depression.
- Bipolar Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) – The patient in this case, should show signs of bipolar disorder. However, patients in this category does not fall into the first 3 types of bipolar disorder.
In all cases of manic or bipolar depression, similar symptoms can be observed, such as deep feelings of sadness without cause, high irritability or bad temperedness or crying for no apparent reason.
Here is where family and friends come in to play important supportive roles in helping the patient recognize that he or she needs help and to persuade the patient to accept treatment. Failure to treat manic depressive disorder could lead to dire consequences that will affect not only the patient but to family and friends.
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