Manic Depression

7 Pages 1663 Words

on. It is characterized by cycling mood changes; severe highs (mania) and severe lows (depression). Sometimes the mood changes dramatic and rapid but most of the time it changes gradually. When in the depressed cycle a person will have all or some of the typical depression symptoms. When in the manic cycle a person becomes overactive, over talkative, and has a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment and social behavior in ways that can cause serious problems and embarrassment. If mania is left untreated it could lead to a psychotic state.

Depression is treated by first getting a physical examination. Certain medications or medical conditions can be the cause of the same symptoms of depression. A patient will undergo the exam, an interview, and lab tests to rule out the possibility of a physical cause for the depression. If that is the case then a psychological evaluation will be done and the person will be referred to a psychologist or a psychiatrist. This doctor will a...