Mental Health Matters:

Manic Depression

What is it ?

This major mental health problem is characterized by mood swings: periods of deep depression and of over-active/ excited behaviour known as mania(hypo-mania means less severe mania).  These severe highs and lows may occur directly after each other or they may alternate with varying periods of stability.  A manic depressive breakdown is a very distressing experience.   Acts carried out during mania or depression can have severe consequences, disrupting home life, relationships and ability to work.

Causes of Manic Depression

There are several points of view as to the cause of manic depression.  They are not necessarily compatible.

Many, but not all psychiatrists argue that there is a familial or genetic component or predisposition towards developing manic depression, a breakdown occurring after a stressful event which is thought to trigger off a biochemical imbalance in the brain.

Some believe manic depression results from severe emotional damage caused in very early life which could not have been prevented by the parents as they too would have been reacting to personal difficulties and unmet needs.

Another view is that manic depression is a reaction to what are considered unresolvable problems in every-day life.   Mania is seen as an escape from unbearable feelings of depression.

Treatment

Different ideas about what causes manic depression have given rise to differing opinions as to how to treat it.

Medication

Lithium Carbonate is the most common treatment for manic depression. It is a preventative treatment, not a cure. It is important for people using lithium to have frequent blood tests.  There are a number of side effects associated with lithium. Some occur while the body is getting used to the treatment and should disappear. Some side effects such as diarrhoea or vomiting may suggest the level of lithium is wrong.

Major tranquillizers such as Largactil or haloperidol are sometimes given to people for brief periods-when mania is at it's height- to control distressing symptoms.  These drugs may cause some people considerable discomfort and distress, while others may only experience a minor inconvenience.

ECT: Electroconvulsive therapy is a controversial treatment which involves passing an electric current through the brain of someone who is under anaesthetic.  It is given for severe depression and was used to treat mania before major tranquillizers became available.  There is considerable doubt and debate about how and indeed whether ECT actually works. Some people say it has helped them and some research studies suggest that it may be helpful for people who are severely depressed.  It is important to remember to bear in mind that ECT may cause short or long term memory loss.  It is applied less now than it used to be.

Talking Treatments

Talking treatments such as counselling or psychotherapy give people a chance to talk through their difficulties with someone committed to listen and help. Psychotherapy for people diagnosed with manic depression is very rare under the N.H.S.  Some psychiatrists consider psychotherapy to be unhelpful and potentially harmful for people diagnosed with manic depression.   Others believe that counselling or psychotherapy can help people understand why they feel as they do.

How Mind in Manchester can help.

Contact the Information service on

0161 272 8205

The Information service provides information about mental health services and groups in Manchester over the telephone and in writing via letter, fax and email. The Information service is generally staffed during the daytime. An answer machine is available at all times and we will endeavour to return your call within 48 hours.

Write to us at:

Unit 25,
The Progress Centre,
Charlton Place,
Ardwick Green
Manchester
M12 6HS

Email us at:
info@mind-in-manchester.org.uk