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Definition: Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression is characterised by
mood swings from elation and euphoria to acute depression. In the manic phase
people with Bipolar Disorder may pursue wild, improbable schemes, spend
money with abandon, sleep very little and be very active.
In the depressed phase a person may be extremely
lethargic, unmotivated and worn out.
The duration of phases may vary from days to months.
Bipolar Disorder generally has a more biological or biochemical cause
than clinical depression.
Further information
* Depression
Learning Path
Run by Uncommon Knowledge, the Depression Learning Path is a free online
guide to the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression,
including reviews of anti-depressants and other drug treatments, teen
depression, drug withdrawal symptoms, self help approaches and depression
therapy. Major sections are:
Some
signs of depression - the sorts of indicators that come with depression.
Depression
symptoms - symptoms that your doctor might look for.
What
causes depression? - although the medical establishment tends to quote
the cause of depression as being a chemical imbalance, there is little
evidence to support this as the 'root cause' of most depressions.
Depression
in teenagers - information on depression in teens, from causes to
treatment.
The
cycle of depression - a simple model to help you understand how depression
works.
Depressive
thinking styles - how the way you think can contribute to depression.
Common
treatments for depression - the various treatments available and their
relative efficacies.
Common
drugs for depression - the different medication available for depression
and their efficacies.
Side
effects - side effects of anti-depressants.
The
best therapy for depression - what is the best therapy for depression?
* Dr
Ivan's Depression Central
A large amount of information on major depression, manic depression (bipolar
disorder), cyclothymia, dysthymia and other mood disorders.
* Beyond
Blue
The National Depression Initiative of Australia.
* National
Mental Health Association
Information on clinical depression from the NMHA of America.
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