Article by Julie A. Fast

Is it Moodiness or a Mood Disorder?How to Spot Potential Depression or Bipolar DisorderStep aside, ADD and anxiety–mood disorders are fast becoming the most talked-about illness of the decade. From sitcom characters and celebrities to everyday adults and children, more and more people are being diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Still, thousands of others continue to suffer, undiagnosed and untreated. How do you know whether your moodiness is a normal reaction to life or the sign of a serious medical disorder? Before you head for the Prozac–or endure another day of undiagnosed misery–get the facts on these often misunderstood illnesses.There are two types of mood disorders: bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) and depression (also known as unipolar depression). The symptoms of depression include a lack of interest in things that once brought pleasure, constant feelings of sadness and emptiness, and an inability to get things done. Bipolar disorder has all of the symptoms of depression as well as a mood swing called mania; people with bipolar disorder can cycle back and forth between the two states.Scientifically defined as a “pathologically elevated mood,” mania can create feelings of euphoria, omnipotence, or hyperarousal that are caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. People with mania may experience extreme exhilaration and other seemingly “good” feelings, but the mania can also manifest as agitation, scattered thoughts, and feelings of extreme emotional discomfort. Depression and bipolar disorder share a range of other symptoms, including psychosis (a break with reality that can be characterized by hallucinations and distorted thoughts), irritation and anger, problems with attention and concentration (often misdiagnosed as ADD), and anxiety. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses or personality defects, and the real culprit–a serious mood disorder–is often misdiagnosed or brushed off. People with undiagnosed mood disorders often mistake their illness for a flaw in their character, and can spend years desperately trying to “get their acts together and lead lives like regular people” instead of seeking psychiatric evaluation for an illness.In reality, both depression and bipolar disorder are fairly easy to diagnose–once they are considered as real possibilities. Although a proper diagnosis must be made by a trained professional, here are some clues that may help you determine if your “moodiness” is a sign of a serious illness: Suicidal thoughts: Thoughts of suicide are common among those suffering from serious depression. Whether action-oriented (I’m going to get a gun and shoot myself; I’m going to take a bottle of pills with a bottle of wine) or more passive (I wish I were dead; Things would be better if I were gone), suicidal thoughts are always a sign that a person’s brain chemistry is not functioning properly, and that professional help is needed immediately. Unnaturally elevated moods: Mania can be so sneaky. When a person who has been depressed suddenly feels the cloud lift, it’s natural to think that the depression has ended and that the person is finally “back to normal.” But for people with bipolar disorder, this is often the first stage of an unnatural, escalating mood swing in the opposite direction. Mania often feels so good–at first–that it’s hard for people to recognize it, or acknowledge it as a serious problem. Unfortunately, feelings of euphoria or agitation can continue to intensify until the person no longer makes sense. Those who eventually experience full-blown manic episodes often end up hospitalized, but countless others who suffer from milder manic episodes (known as hypomania) often go untreated, or are treated only for depression. If you or those around you notice marked shifts in your energy, agitation, or feelings of well-being especially if they affect your sleep patterns, you may suffer from bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist or properly trained physician can diagnose your symptoms to determine whether you’re just recovering from depression or experiencing the flip side of this serious illness. Be aware, too, that antidepressants can ignite dormant mania in people. For this reason, your physician should be aware that what seems a clear case of depression may actually mask the presence of bipolar disorder. Mood swings vs. moodiness: Some people are just moody. They often react negatively to life events, or they may frequently experience bad moods, short tempers, and irritation. While these people may not be much fun to be around, they do not necessarily have a mood disorder. However, if a person’s moodiness affects his or her ability to work, make friends, or function relatively normally in society, a diagnosis of a potential mood disorder is called for. Mood disorders involve exaggerated, extreme, or highly disproportionate responses to life events. A moody person may be quick to anger when someone makes a derogatory comment about him or her; a person suffering from a mood disorder may react to the same situation with suicidal thoughts. Moody people can usually be reasoned with; people with mood disorders lose insight into their own situations and often can’t see that they need help. For this reason, it’s important that friends and family members understand the warning signs of depression and bipolar disorder, and that they know where to turn to seek help for their loved one. Use the following questions to help you determine whether you or someone you care about may be suffering from a bipolar-disorder mood swing:*Have you noticed a significant change in everyday sleep patterns because you are feeling low or more happy than usual? * Do friends, family members, or others comment on your inability to enjoy life, spend within reason, get along with others, keep a job, maintain a relationship, or stay in one place? *Do you often wonder what the point of living is, or why nothing seems good? Are these feelings ever experienced along with difficulty in concentrating or performing simple tasks? *Have you ever suddenly felt a wonderful surge of confidence that allowed you to talk with strangers or meet anyone you wanted? Have you ever lost your normal shyness and suddenly felt beautiful and unstoppable? Have you ever made reckless sexual or financial decisions, only to wonder a few months later, Was that me? What was I thinking? Has this been accompanied with a significantly reduced need for sleep? *Do you go through periods of extreme or unexplained irritability? Do others tell you that you are often unreasonable? Do you kick or hit things (or people) to vent your annoyance or frustration?*Have you ever found yourself thinking (or hearing a voice inside your head telling you) such things as, You should die. You have no right to be here and you should leave. People don’t like you. You’re a failure and a fake. Or, I’m a genius. I’m smarter than any other person in the world. I am invincible.? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may want to talk to a health care professional about a possible mood disorder. Mood disorders are not personality flaws or a sign of weakness. Like diabetes, they are documented physical illnesses, and they can be effectively treated–once a correct diagnosis is made. If you or a loved one may need help, getting that diagnosis is the first step to recovering from these disorders and living a joyful, healthy, productive life. ************************************************************************ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Julie A. Fast best selling author of Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder and Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder is a critically acclaimed six-time author, award winning bipolar disorder advice columnist, national speaker, and sought after expert in the fields of bipolar disorder and depression. Julie’s work specializes in helping people manage all aspects of their daily lives -despite the complications that bipolar disorder creates. To learn how to personalize a plan to help yourself or a loved one find and create stability that ensures the quality of life that we all deserve, visit: http://www.bipolarhappens.com

About the Author

Julie A. Fast is America’s leading voice for people with bipolar disorder. She is the co-author of Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding & Helping Your Partner (New Harbinger Publications, February 2004; .95, author of the upcoming book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, which will be out in late 2006 and columnist for BP Magazine. Learn more about Julie and about bipolar disorder at http://www.bipolarhappens.com.

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please read below for more details. bipolar II – NIMH government agency NAMI.org for support & family education nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-publication.shtml Mania: (this is NOT the same thing as feeling good.) Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include: * Increased energy, activity, and restlessness * Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood * Extreme irritability * Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another * Distractibility, can’t concentrate well * Little sleep needed * Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers * Poor judgment * Spending sprees (shopaholic behavior) * A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual * Increased sexual drive (greater than normal increase) * Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications * Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior * Denial that anything is wrong A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present. Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include: * Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood * Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism * Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness * Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex * Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down …
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Article by Sherry Nash

Insomnia is a problem which is treated with anti depressants. People suffering from insomnia can have a quick short term relief from the said disease. It is very true that there is no depression treatment in the world which can treat depression as permanent but short term reliefs help a person to recover from depression. Experts have agreed that for severe depression cases anti depressants are great help.

The patients who have a panic attack due to depression can be saved with anti depression medicines. In plus 45% cases patients have reduced the symptoms of depression. In cases of mild depression medicines show a good recovery in the patient. If depression lasts even after use of medicine then combination of self help exercises with medicine would be big help. But physical symptoms can only be treated by the help of medication. There are numerous ways to treat depression like natural, anti depression patients sometimes responds very quickly to these. Natural treatments are more likely effective in cases of low depression. Some people prefer anti depression supplements for recovery.Nowadays when online stores for medicines are gaining popularity, the field of generic medicines is shining by providing anti depression treatments on very low cost. An online store http://www.bestrxpillstore.com is offering the best medication available in the market with good discounts and no compromise with quality. They have Paxil pills, Prozac pills and Zoloft pills for the treatment of depression. Paxil is used when depression creates hurdles in the working ability. Some emotional issues are also aroused by depression when it affects deep. Mainly sweating, palpitation, drowsiness and fear of death affect people. Paxil is also helpful when treatment for social phobia is required. It is a miracle to remove physical symptoms of depression.

Prozac is used for controlling emotional imbalance which may be due to menstrual problems. One always take care about his/her medical history while consuming tablets for depression. In obsessive compulsive disorder cases Prozac have proven results. People must not drive under the influence of anti depression medicines. The third one is Zoloft, which is effective for panic disorders, post traumatic stress disorder and also in obsessive compulsive disorder. While one is taking medicines for depression, use of alcohol is strongly restricted for the same person because it can react with alcohol and the effect may increase. Patients with history of bleeding and seizure must take advice from doctor before putting in to use.

About the Author

Online store have offered the medication in lower rates than offline stores the reason is that they buy medicines in bulk to make available the medicine globally. They also have less tax burdens in comparison to offline stores. For more information visit like Phentermine 37.5mg, Heart & Cholesterol Pills.

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www.depressiontreatmenthelp101.com Most people think they know the symptoms of depression, but you would be surprised by how tricky thing get. You can be depressed for a long time without even knowing it. The most obvious symptoms of depression, of course, are known by everyone. The feeling of being sad all the time and unmotivated, having thoughts of suicide, and withdrawing from your friends are the best signs. But in reality, depression symptoms are much broader than this. People do their best to cope with being depressed, and so sometimes you can be in the middle of a rather severe malaise without even knowing it. One of the most classic symptoms of depression, for example, is depressed mental function. A lot of the time, people who are depressed go around in a mental fog all of the time. They may not even be consciously aware they are depressed, but they can’t seem to get anything done. Basically, rather than facing their feelings of anxiety and depression, they go into a listless state where they don’t have to deal with anything. This kind of escapism can last for weeks, months, or even years.

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howtocopewithdepression.com When it comes to men and depression you will find that there are over three million men in the United States that suffer from depression, however you should know that only 35% of all men find themselves in a depression. When it comes to the view of the male image, you’ll find that many call them “the rock” or the “solid one”, however men can suffer from depression. Just because you have, a depression doesn’t mean that you are any less of a man because of it. Researchers estimate that at least six million men in the United States suffer from a depressive disorder every year. Research and clinical evidence reveal that while both women and men can develop the standard symptoms of depression, they often experience depression differently and may have different ways of coping with the symptoms. Men may be more willing to acknowledge fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and sleep disturbances rather than feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and excessive guilt. Some researchers question whether the standard definition of depression and the diagnostic tests based upon it adequately capture the condition as it occurs in men. Men are more likely than women to report alcohol and drug abuse or dependence in their lifetime;however, there is debate among researchers as to whether substance use is a symptom of underlying depression in men or a co occurring condition that more commonly develops in men. Nevertheless, substance use can mask …

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Article by Josh Samuel

Anti-depressant legal drugs have been proven to affect the mental state but still the prescription rates for these drugs have skyrocketed. Each year, there are over 200 million prescriptions for anti-depressants which make them one of the most prescribed drugs in the world. But despite its high prescription rates, more than 5% of patients are still depressed. This is a strong indication that these legal drugs are not working at all and in fact, these drugs have contributed to other serious health problems.

Anti-depressant legal drugs are still continuously being prescribed even though they have been scientifically proven to be as effective, or less than a placebo. It was even found out that 75 percent of the benefits of anti-depressants can be duplicated by a placebo. Evidence is quite clear that most of these drugs increase the risk of suicide and violence. Anti-depressants are not cures. They are only modifiers that do not treat the real cause of the patient’s depression. They are only sedatives or stimulants.

When considering taking anti-depressant drugs, a depressed person will have an increased risk of suicide and violence, problems in the immune system and raised the risk of type 2 diabetes. With long term use, the person will develop mental illness.

Because of the scientifically proven ineffectiveness of anti-depressant legal drugs, there was a strong drive to search for alternatives that really work in fighting depression. Based on experiences of many users, herbal highs have been found to be effective in fighting depression.

The use of herbal highs is an effective method to get rid or at least lessen the symptoms of depression. The botanical plants used are beneficial for those who cannot or do not want to undergo medical treatment because of the adverse side effects that legal drugs cause. They have lower rate of side effects and offers significant improvement of the psychological state which helps in curing depression.

Herbal highs do not contain synthetic chemicals which are commonly found in laboratory-made legal drugs. Hence, they are naturally safe for the body. The body’s immune system is enhanced with these naturally-made products. The herbs used controls emotions, nervousness and excitement.

Aside from being safe to the body, herbal highs are also legal. They should not be mistaken as the illegal weed being banned by the government for production and distribution. Illegal counterparts produce adverse side effects to the body which only intensify the symptoms of depression that can lead to violence and suicide.

For many centuries, herbs have played a role in achieving strong mental health. Why not see if herbal remedies will really work for you.

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Herbal Highs Online offer amazing range of safe, legal & herbal highs that actually work and provide you with the best and safest experience possible while remaining on the right side of the law. Visit our website to see more of these legal highs.

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Question by : is it depression or ADD or both ?
Hello everyone, okay so i have been suffering from severe depression disorder for a while now “few years”, and it has been affecting my ability to study real real bad. i also feel like i have ADD i have made some online tests ” nothing official” and it seemed like i do have ADD. if i only could not focus very well on school then i would say yes maybe it’s depression, but i also keep getting distracted ALL THE TIME, also i cant be in a class i hate being in a class for so long i get bored and because i cannot focus i feel like each hour is 3 years and i simply need to MOVE.

so all of these symptoms made me believe that i have ADD along with depression ” how awesome, huh? “, so i told my psychiatric and she gave me some Ritalin to be taken with the antidepressants i’m on since few years, i was so excited in the beginning but it was awful, i was paranoid all the time and even had to make emergency call to the hospital because i felt very suicidal so i was asked to immediately stop taking Ritalin.

my psychiatric said that i probably do not have ADD, all of these symptoms mentioned above can be also symptoms of depression. and she said she wont put me on ADD meds until i overcome my depression . i understand her but i mean if i really do have ADD i will never be able to study without the meds, what am i suppose to do is it true that these symptoms can be also side effects of depression ?

Thanks everyone in advance

Best answer:

Answer by MacKenzie
i also have depression, im noto sure really what the symptoms are alone because i had an ED with my depression, or depression with my ED,, im not too sure but it sounds like it., talk to someone!

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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The Anxiety And Phobia Workbook
The Ultimate Blog To Help People Alleviate Not Only Anxiety Symptoms But Symptoms Of depression So They Can Enjoy A Fulfilling And Productive Life Once More.
The Anxiety And Phobia Workbook

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depression and Symptoms of Depression: http://t.co/VjVyFVNG via @AddThis – by PsychOneNet (Psychology One)

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Question by Sean S: Is there a substance that can instantly stop symptoms of depression?
This is a VERY hard question. Experts only, please.

I have a wife who suffers from depression. She has been on anti-depressants and they worked, but left her feeling neutral while on them, rather than happy and sad.

She is now off the medications (and has been for a couple years). Lately, she has been having depression strike in place of emotions like happiness or love. Instead of feeling the good stuff, she feels that feeling we get when we break up with someone.

My theory is that we could find a substance for her to take when she improperly dips into that pain (the breakup pain), and that alleviates it just like an aspirin alleviates a headache, then it might free her mind to feel happiness again.

Does anyone know of a substance that works fairly quickly that she doesn’t have to stay on, but can take more like an aspirin? Something that alleviates the symptoms, but isn’t an “anti-depressant” like Celexa or something?

Natural substances, illegal substances, medications
A little addition, in response to some of the first answers (and thank you VERY much for these first answers!):

Yes, ideally we would like something that isn’t addictive. That’s a bad problem. Also, won’t being on anti-depressants her whole life kill her? What about the liver damage?

Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by bmac
Trust me…..if there were such a pill, EVERYONE would know about it and it would be WORLD news. No one would talk of anything else for months. You’d know about it. It doesn’t exist. Nothing natural, prescription, illegal……nothing.

Give your answer to this question below!

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