The symptoms of manic depression or bipolar disorder can vary from one patient to another, but it is important to note that it is not one single medical condition but consists of several subtypes that health experts call bipolar spectrum disorders: the most common are bipolar I, bipolar II and bipolar unspecified.

 

Bipolar I Symptoms

This is the classic case of manic depression and each episode lasts for at least one week. The condition is characterized by depressive and manic episodes which include feeling high, acting impulsively, has feelings or visions of grandiose, and being in an agitated state. These people sleep very little and get distracted very easily.

Bipolar II Symptoms

Bipolar II has many symptoms, but the most conspicuous is depression. While it is true that those with bipolar II do have periods when they feel “high”, they are few and far between compared to bipolar I. Rather than the full blown mania of bipolar I those with bipolar II go through hypomania, which is a milder type of mania. According to the latest reports, women are more likely to suffer from this condition than men and will often deny they are affected by the illness. However, those with bipolar II often seem agitated and emotional or upbeat for no reason.

NOS (Manic Depression Unspecified)

This category was created for those other bipolar disorders that do not fit in with any of the known categories. For manic depression to be considered as bipolar I the episode has to endure for seven days at least, but if the episode is three days or less it is considered an unspecified bipolar disorder. Manic depression is complex and it isn’t easy to classify. For instance, there are cases of people with bipolar I who never go through a major depressive period, and some of them may experience mania and depression at the same time. Because the situation is so complex, treatment is necessary once the symptoms have been identified.

Treatment

Your health service provider will decide what kind of treatment to provide depending on your condition, although the usual recourse is a combination of therapy and medication. Symbyax is an antidepressant developed specifically for treating manic depression, and this drug contains olanzapine, which directly influences the chemicals in your brain so mood swings are prevented.

Symbyax is a powerful drug and is usually prescribed by doctors only if other antidepressants prove to be ineffective. In addition the drug will keep mood disorders at bay. However, the medication is not without side effects and a few people, particularly those below 25 years of age, may find their depression symptoms getting worse.

If you are 25 years old or younger speak with your doctor about taking antidepressants, and even if you are over 25 years, tell your doctor if you experience symptoms like increased suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, restlessness, and feelings of anger or increased anxiety. It should also be stressed that Symbyax is for treating manic depression and not for symptoms resulting from dementia or other conditions not stated in the label.