FACTS ON DEPRESSION AND MANIC-DEPRESSION

Depression is a common and sometimes serious disorder of mood that is pervasive, intense and attacks the mind and body at the same time. Depression may be associated with an imbalance of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that carry communications between nerve cells that control mood and other basic bodily functions. Other factors may also come into play, such as negative life experiences such as stress or loss, other medical illnesses medicines, and certain personality traits and genetic factors.

Major depression is a common type of depression and is characterized by at least five of the key symptoms listed below. . Dysthymia is a milder, chronic form of depression that lasts two years or more. . Bipolar depression is the depressive phase of manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder), in which there are both extreme highs and extreme lows of mood. . Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that follows seasonal rhythms, with symptoms occurring in the winter months and diminishing in spring and summer, and can occur in major depression or bipolar disorder.

Between 17 and 20 million Americans each year develop some form of depression. . One out of every five adults may experience a depression at some point in their lives. . Less than 40% of people suffering from depression are accurately diagnosed and receive treatment.

More than 60% of people with depression improve with treatment within several months, although it may be necessary to try multiple forms of treatment until the right ones are found. Antidepressant medications may take several weeks to be effective.

. Manic-depression (also known as bipolar disorder) is a serious mental disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function.
. Manic-depression involves severe mood swings from overly "high" or irritable to overly sad and hopeless and then back again, with periods of normal mood in between. The "high" periods are called episodes of mania and the "low" periods are called episodes of depression.
. The "high" phase is often a pleasurable, euphoric and productive state but can result in dangerous lapses of judgment and/or impulsive and destructive behavior.
. The "low" phase is similar to, and can be confused with, major depression, and involves feelings of sadness, hopelessness and helplessness.

. Manic-depression affects about 2 million people or 1% of the general population each year.
. Although the illness can occur at any age, half of all cases begin before age 25.
. Manic-depression occurs with the same frequency in men as in women.
. Because of the strong genetic link, manic-depression tends to occur in families over generations.

. Mood-stabilizers are the most commonly prescribed medication to treat manic- depression.
. Sometimes antidepressants are prescribed along with mood-stabilizing medication.
. People with manic-depression should be cautioned when taking antidepressants alone. In most circumstances, mood stabilizers should be prescribed when treating manic-depression with antidepressants.
. Even with medication, people with manic-depression can experience residual symptoms.
. Talking therapy (psychotherapy) may help to address behaviors, thought patterns or difficulties in managing the illness. Support groups can provide emotional support to patients, families and friends.

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