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manic depression Essay

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MANIC DEPRESSION

Estimates say that about 2 and a half million Americans suffer from manic depressive illness. Also called bipolar disorder, this mental illness involves episodes in which a persons mood alternates between extreme mania and depression. A person may experience pressure and racing thoughts and speech, and often uncontrolled reckless behavior. Two thirds of those who suffer from bipolar illness have numerous episodes of recurrences of alternating phases. Most people suffering from manic depressive illness experience extreme cases of up and Dow emotion. Studies say manic depression is one of the most understudied psychiatric illnesses.

Bipolar disorder is much less common than depression. atleast 8 percent of people …show more content…

Certain things may happen thats out of their normal character like taking plane trips all over the country or making large investments. Excessive gambling , buying very expensive items, abusing alcohol or drugs, and making unwanted sexual advances.
Causes of manic depression seem to be rooted in the genes. Studies used on identical twin show that if one twin has bipolar disorder its a 70% chance the other will have it too.
With fraternal twins its only a 15% chance that the other will have bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder seems to run in families. Personal or work related stress can trigger a manic episode. Other factors such as prenatal development, childhood experiences, and social conditions can play a huge role.

Some people enjoy the sensations and energies that accompany manic episodes. It is proven that very mild cases of manic depression can actually attribute to success in business and arts. A person may experience episodes of over confidence which may result in unfortunate consequences because of a bad business venture. The milder, chronic form of bipolar illness is called cyclothymic disorder. This form alternates between mild depression and mild mania. When someone is in the in the stage of a euphoric episode, their behavior may seem a bit odd, or in some cases completely bizarre. They may become involved in such goal-oriented activities such as sex,work, school, or social

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