manic depression runds in my family. my grandma had it and my sister takes after her alot. my sister seems bipolar to me, but i want to know if it is the same before i tell my parents what i think.
2007-10-12 03:09:55 · 26 answers · asked by Catholic 14 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
i didn't want healing ideas i just wanted to know. and should i tell my parents? she can get really depressed over nothing.
2007-10-12 03:14:58 · update #1
bipolar use to be called manic depression
With bipolar disorder, life can be like an emotional roller coaster. One day your mood is low and you feel sad. Then your mood gets really high and you feel great. Then the sadness comes back.
2007-10-12 03:16:57 · answer #1 · answered by ulz 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES it is! Those with bipolar disorder suffer from manic episodes as well as depressive episodes. It's very tough to deal with, because in both instances, the episode is extreme. In manic episodes, people tend to do very extravagant things- like spending money they don't have, thinking the world revolves around them (thinking they're the president or the queen or something like that). People just go 100 miles an hour in a manic state and they can even go without eating or sleeping. In a depressive stage, it's the opposite. VERY sad and blue. If this sounds like your sister, I would tell your parents- they may not spend enough time with her to notice, or they could just be in denial. There are many people who suffer only from the depressive episodes, and this should also be treated. Remember there are ways to treat these disorders other than medicine- and ask the doc about them!
2007-10-12 11:01:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Manic depression is the old terminology. In the latest version of DSMIV (The APA Diagnostic Manual), the term has been changed to Bipolar Disorder.
A cautionary note: Although their is a genetic component it doesn't mean, necessarily that your sister has the disorder.
There are some medications, combined with supportive psychotherapy that have proven to be very effective for many people, but ironically, because of that fact, the Bipolar Disorder has been greatly overdiagnosed. It is the old cliche "If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail".
Many other affective disorders, as well a other problems can look like a bipolar disorder. Indeed, you didn't mention her age, but if she is a young adult, it is also important to know that adolescents, can occassionally look like they have a problem, when they are simply going through "growing pains".
Of course, if she does have a bipolar disorder, the quicker she is engaged in treatment the better, and you should be commended for your astute observations.
In my opinion, your best bet for an accurate diagnosis would involve a clinical interview with a professional (licensed , Ph.D., clinical psychologist). A psychiatrist would be required to perscribe medication if necessary.
2007-10-12 10:28:45 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are the same thing, Bipolar is the official name for it, doctors try not to use the name manic depressive anymore because it is to basic and there is alot more to having Bipolar disorder than just being manic or depressed. Oh and yes it does run in your genes (my mother and grandmother are bipolar also), but that doesn't always mean that you will end up with it. But if you feel that your sister may be it is very important that you address your parent, bipolar disorder can be very dangerous, especially when you don't know that you are.
2007-10-12 10:16:31 · answer #4 · answered by princess_of_shadowz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They're the same thing, but how old is your sister? Teenage hormones can cause mood swings too. Manic depressives are mostly distinguished by how high and low they swing. I've known MDs that would go without sleep for days they were so enthused about whatever, then become suicidal almost overnight.
2007-10-12 13:31:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bipolar and manic depression is the same thing.
When you are bipolar you Have extreme highs - feeling really good "Manic" and extreme lows- "depression".
2007-10-12 10:27:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it is...and it is genetic
I'm reading a great book right now on bipolar to understand what my boyfriend w/ his bipolar/manic depressant...its called
LIVING WELL WITH DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR DISORDER
by: JOHN MCMANAMY
it explains alot on the different kids of bipolar and how ppl feel and think. ways to help and talk to them
2007-10-12 11:42:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the same thing, but be careful about saying your sister is bipolar as it is a pretty serious illness, not just a mood swing once in a while.
2007-10-12 10:14:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes bipolar disorder is the new "official" name for manic depression. the seratonin levels in your sister's brain are going haywire and triggering "mood episodes." plenty of SAFE meds out there now. have her see a doc.
2007-10-12 10:14:33 · answer #9 · answered by Heather Honey 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is just a newer terminology because "manic" made people think "crazy" so they renamed it so that people would not automatically assume that people were crazy or insane.
This is definetly a common trait and more folks have it than let on, in fact i wouldnt doubt that everyone has more than one personality! LOL
I think we ALL DO!!! :)
2007-10-12 10:16:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋