Successful Manic Depression Treatment

Just how successful are treatments for manic depressive disorder? How well treatments work depends on the type of depression, its severity, how long is has continued and the types of treatment given.

Anti-depressant and mood-stablilizing drugs developed over the last 25 years have changed the treatment of manic and clinical depression, especially for those with more serious or recurring forms of depression.

Biological treatments are effective and the majority of the people with biological depression obtain significant relief of anti-depressant drugs if the depression is mild or serious, recent or long-term. Left untreated, manic depressive disorder can become more serious or continue indefinitely.

Treatment and understanding manic depression are important to prevent recurrent episodes of depression. More than half of those who experience depression will have at least another episode in their lives. The chances of a third episode occurring are even greater.

Studies have shown that it can take 6 to 8 weeks to get results from treatment. A third of those who did not get better after a first treatment showed reduced signs of depression with a second treatment.

Although most cases of manic depressive disorder can be successfully treated as outpatients, those with severe episodes of depression and suicidal thoughts require brief hospitalization for detailed evaluation and treatment.

Combined with medication, psychotherapy is also important to treat manic depressive disorder sufferers with deep psychological problems.