A term often used synonymously with bipolar disorder, as defined in dsm-iv-tr.
A mental disease characterized by extreme mood swings from high to low.
A psychological condition marked by a disruption in mood is termed a mood disorder. This disruption can be unipolar, involving either depression or mania alone, or bipolar, involving oscillations between the two. In its severe manifestation, sometimes known as manic-depressive psychosis, it may also involve grandiose notions or pessimistic delusions.
Certain individuals inherit a predisposition to manic-depressive illness. Furthermore, it is believed that anomalies in brain biochemistry or in the configuration and/or operation of specific neural pathways within the brain might be at the root of this condition.
Serious cases of the illness typically require hospitalization for treatment. Depression is often managed using antidepressant medications and/or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), while antipsychotic drugs are administered to regulate manic symptoms. To prevent recurrence, carbamazepine or lithium might be employed.
In specific situations, group therapy, family therapy, and individual psychotherapy can prove beneficial. Additionally, cognitive-behavioral therapy could be effective as well.
Through proper treatment, the majority of individuals experiencing this condition witness improvement or maintain stability. Even those grappling with severe illness can often regain a state of nearly normal well-being through the utilization of lithium therapy.