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Depression affects many people In a real dark night of the soul it is always three o'clock in the morning. Author F. Scott Fitzgerald penned this sentence while suffering from depression, the condition that affects many people at some time in their lives. "Due to the efforts of organizations and individuals such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, the public is becoming more aware of the symptoms and the treatments available when one is suffering from depression," Arthur Rousseau, M.D., Public Information Committee, Oklahoma Psychiatric Physicians Association, said. "However, when a person alternates between periods of deep depression and extreme elation, this could be the symptom of another serious mental illness known as bipolar disorder." Bipolar disorder, more often called manic depression, is characterized by episodes of euphoria alternating with episodes of depression. Irritability may also be present. "People suffering a manic or euphoric episode are hyperactive and often get little sleep," Dr. Rousseau said. "They have inflated or grandiose ideas about themselves. For instance, they may give advice on matters about which the person has no special knowledge, such as how to run the United Nations. Their speech can be rapid and their thoughts move very quickly from one topic to another. They often show very poor judgment and may go on wild spending sprees, invest unwisely in business ventures or have indiscreet sexual relationships." A common associated feature is changes of mood, with rapid shifts from elation to anger, irritability or depression. "One week the person may be elated, convinced there is nothing he cannot do. In a single day, he may become withdrawn, brooding, have delusions about being unworthy and contemplate suicide," he added. Although bipolar disorder is a serious illness, it is also true the illness usually responds to treatment. "Most often a combination of treatments is most effective," Dr. Rousseau said. "Because depression and mania are experienced primarily in emotional terms, psychotherapy is often a valuable aid to the patient. In concert with psychotherapy, psychiatric medications, such as lithium carbonate, valproic acid and others are very effective in treating bipolar disorder. These psychiatric medications are not addicting and can be very helpful." Dr. Rousseau said much can be done to restore the productivity and well-being of the patient, to relieve the family and friends of the terrible burden imposed by this illness. "It is important to diagnosis bipolar disorder as early as possible. When the patient is depressed, watch for changes in appetite or weight, insomnia or excessive sleeping, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, energy loss or fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide. When manic, watch for pressured speech, inflated self-esteem, excessive involvement in activities, promiscuity and alcohol or drug abuse," he said. Modern medicine can help, but early identification plays a large part in the effectiveness of treatment and the speed of recovery, Dr. Rousseau concluded. ###### |
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