Mania
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can cause intense mood swings:
- Sometimes you may feel extremely "up," elated, irritable, or energized. This is called a manic episode.
- Other times you may feel "down," sad, indifferent, or hopeless. This is called a depressive episode.
- You may have both manic and depressive symptoms together. This is called a mixed episode.
Along with mood swings, bipolar disorder causes changes in behavior, energy levels, and activity levels.
Bipolar disorder used to be called other names, including manic depression and manic-depressive disorder.
What are the types of bipolar disorder?There are three main types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I disorder involves manic episodes that last at least 7 days or manic symptoms so severe that you need immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes are also common. Those often last at least two weeks. This type of bipolar disorder can also involve mixed episodes.
- Bipolar II disorder involves depressive episodes. But instead of full-blown manic episodes, there are episodes of hypomania. Hypomania is a less severe version of mania.
- Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, also involves hypomanic and depressive symptoms. But they are not as intense or as long-lasting as hypomanic or depressive episodes. The symptoms usually last for at least two years in adults and for one year in children and teenagers.
With any of these types, having four or more episodes of mania or depression in a year is called "rapid cycling."
What causes bipolar disorder?The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Several factors likely play a role in the disorder. They include genetics, brain structure and function, and your environment.
Who is at risk for bipolar disorder?You are at higher risk for bipolar disorder if you have a close relative who has it. Going through trauma or stressful life events may raise this risk even more.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary. But they involve mood swings known as mood episodes:
- The symptoms of a manic episode can include
- Feeling very up, high, or elated
- Feeling jumpy or wired, more active than usual
- Having a very short temper or seeming extremely irritable
- Having racing thoughts and talking very fast
- Needing less sleep
- Feeling like you are unusually important, talented, or powerful
- Do risky things that show poor judgment, such as eating and drinking too much, spending or giving away a lot of money, or having reckless sex
- The symptoms of a depressive episode can include
- Feeling very sad, hopeless, or worthless
- Feeling lonely or isolating yourself from others
- Talking very slowly, feeling like you have nothing to say, or forgetting a lot
- Having little energy
- Sleeping too much
- Eating too much or too little
- Lack of interest in your usual activities and being unable to do even simple things
- Thinking about death or suicide
- The symptoms of a mixed episode include both manic and depressive symptoms together. For example, you may feel very sad, empty, or hopeless, while at the same time feeling extremely energized.
Some people with bipolar disorder may have milder symptoms. For example, you may have hypomania instead of mania. With hypomania, you may feel very good and find that you can get a lot done. You may not feel like anything is wrong. But your family and friends may notice your mood swings and changes in activity levels. They may realize that your behavior is unusual for you. After the hypomania, you might have severe depression.
Your mood episodes may last a week or two or sometimes longer. During an episode, symptoms usually occur every day for most of the day.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?To diagnose bipolar disorder, your health care provider may use many tools:
- A physical exam
- A medical history, which will include asking about your symptoms, lifetime history, experiences, and family history
- Medical tests to rule out other conditions
- A mental health evaluation. Your provider may do the evaluation or may refer you to a mental health specialist to get one.
Treatment can help many people, including those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder. The main treatments for bipolar disorder include medicines, psychotherapy, or both:
- Medicines can help control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. You may need to try several different medicines to find which one works best for you. Some people need to take more than one medicine. It's important to take your medicine consistently. Don't stop taking it without first talking with your provider. Contact your provider if you have any concerns about side effects from the medicines.
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help you recognize and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It can give you and your family support, education, skills, and coping strategies. There are several different types of psychotherapy that may help with bipolar disorder.
- Other treatment options include:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a brain stimulation procedure that can help relieve symptoms. It uses a mild electric current and is done while you are under general anesthesia. ECT is most often used for severe bipolar disorder that is not getting better with other treatments. It may also be used when someone needs a treatment that will work more quickly than medicines. This might be when a person has a high risk of suicide or is catatonic (unresponsive).
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a brain stimulation procedure that uses magnetic waves to relieve depression. It is not as powerful as ECT, but with rTMS, you don't need general anesthesia. It also has a low risk of negative effects on your memory and thinking.
- Light therapy has been shown to be effective for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Many people with bipolar disorder also find that their depression gets worse during certain seasons, usually in the fall and winter. Light therapy may help with their symptoms.
- Healthy lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, having a consistent sleep schedule, and keeping a mood journal, can also help with your symptoms.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. But long-term, ongoing treatment can help manage your symptoms and enable you to live a healthy, successful life.
NIH: National Institute of Mental Health
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Mania
CANNABIS
The dried flowering tops of the female plant of Cannabis sativa, Linné, or the variety indica, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. Cannabinaceae). Asia, East... / ...and while usually devoid of injurious consequences, may be followed by catalepsy and depressive and maniacal insanity, from which, however, the victim recovers fully in time. In some respects the effe... / ...of the urino-genital tract and relieves pain. For the first condition it is invaluable in more or less painful conditions in which opium see1
The dried flowering tops of the female plant of Cannabis sativa, Linné, or the variety indica, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. Cannabinaceae). Asia, East... / ...and while usually devoid of injurious consequences, may be followed by catalepsy and depressive and maniacal insanity, from which, however, the victim recovers fully in time. In some respects the effe... / ...of the urino-genital tract and relieves pain. For the first condition it is invaluable in more or less painful conditions in which opium see1
CHIONANTHUS
The bark of the root of Chionanthus virginicus, Linné. (Nat. Ord. Oleaceae.) United States from Pennsylvania southward. Dose, 5 to 30... / ...iving, and is a remedy of considerable value in the gastro-intestinal and hepatic disorders of dipsomania. It has been asserted by many whose large experience entitles them to credence that chionanthu... / ...never reach the true diabetic state. There is good reason to believe that the prolonged use of chionanthus will be of much benefit in such cases.1
The bark of the root of Chionanthus virginicus, Linné. (Nat. Ord. Oleaceae.) United States from Pennsylvania southward. Dose, 5 to 30... / ...iving, and is a remedy of considerable value in the gastro-intestinal and hepatic disorders of dipsomania. It has been asserted by many whose large experience entitles them to credence that chionanthu... / ...never reach the true diabetic state. There is good reason to believe that the prolonged use of chionanthus will be of much benefit in such cases.1
CONIUM
...the aged, and when there are cacoplastic deposits; gastric pain; nervousness and restlessness; mild maniacal excitement; persistent spasmodic or hacking cough; enfeebled state of the sexual organs, wi......mperfect menstruation and leucorrheal discharges. The mentality is disturbed, often to the verge of mania. In such mild forms of nervous unrest and excitability small doses of conium will render good ......us as the disorder itself . It is better adapted to control the excessive movements of hysteria and mania, but in the former having little effect upon the psychic phase of the disorder. It has been us...1
...the aged, and when there are cacoplastic deposits; gastric pain; nervousness and restlessness; mild maniacal excitement; persistent spasmodic or hacking cough; enfeebled state of the sexual organs, wi......mperfect menstruation and leucorrheal discharges. The mentality is disturbed, often to the verge of mania. In such mild forms of nervous unrest and excitability small doses of conium will render good ......us as the disorder itself . It is better adapted to control the excessive movements of hysteria and mania, but in the former having little effect upon the psychic phase of the disorder. It has been us...1
CYPRIPEDIUMCYAL10
...ous irritability, neuralgia and delirium, all from atony; restlessness and muscular twitching, typhomania and tremors in low forms of fever; wakefulness from mental unrest; menstrual irregularities, w......s. It relieves the nervous unrest attending gleet, and the sexual erethism of debility. In the typhomania and tremors of low fevers it is a safe and often effectual drug, but like all others in these ...1
...ous irritability, neuralgia and delirium, all from atony; restlessness and muscular twitching, typhomania and tremors in low forms of fever; wakefulness from mental unrest; menstrual irregularities, w......s. It relieves the nervous unrest attending gleet, and the sexual erethism of debility. In the typhomania and tremors of low fevers it is a safe and often effectual drug, but like all others in these ...1
DULCAMARA. (Solanum dulcamara)SODU
The young branches of Solanum Dulcamara, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). A vine common in Europe and the United States. Dose, 1 to 30... / ... by dulcamara given in fractional doses. Larger doses (medium) are effective in some cases of acute mania, nymphomania and satyriasis, acting as do the more powerful of the group of solanaceous drugs....1
The young branches of Solanum Dulcamara, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). A vine common in Europe and the United States. Dose, 1 to 30... / ... by dulcamara given in fractional doses. Larger doses (medium) are effective in some cases of acute mania, nymphomania and satyriasis, acting as do the more powerful of the group of solanaceous drugs....1
SALIX NIGRA
The bark and aments of Salix nigra, Linné (Nat. Ord. Salicaceae); United States, particularly along streams in New York and Pennsylvania. Common... / ... irritability, and passion; libidinous thoughts; lascivious dreams; nocturnal emissions; mild nymphomania, erotomania and satyriasis; cystitis, urethral irritation, prostatitis, and ovaritis, and alli... / ...the reproductive tract when pollutions are the result of sexual intemperance, libidinous thoughts by day, and lascivious dreams by night.1
The bark and aments of Salix nigra, Linné (Nat. Ord. Salicaceae); United States, particularly along streams in New York and Pennsylvania. Common... / ... irritability, and passion; libidinous thoughts; lascivious dreams; nocturnal emissions; mild nymphomania, erotomania and satyriasis; cystitis, urethral irritation, prostatitis, and ovaritis, and alli... / ...the reproductive tract when pollutions are the result of sexual intemperance, libidinous thoughts by day, and lascivious dreams by night.1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Mania
CAMPHORDRYOB
A stearopten obtained from CINNAMOMUM CAMP:-roRA, F. Nees & Eber. Stimulates the nervous and vascular systems: antispasmo dic, anaphrodisiac. Prescribed in acute coryza, in diarrhea, in some spasmodic affections, and to allay maniacal and sexual excitement. Dose, 0.06 to0.3 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.); in low fevers and in mania 0.6 to 1.3 Grm. (10 to 20 grs.) may be given.2
A stearopten obtained from CINNAMOMUM CAMP:-roRA, F. Nees & Eber. Stimulates the nervous and vascular systems: antispasmo dic, anaphrodisiac. Prescribed in acute coryza, in diarrhea, in some spasmodic affections, and to allay maniacal and sexual excitement. Dose, 0.06 to0.3 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.); in low fevers and in mania 0.6 to 1.3 Grm. (10 to 20 grs.) may be given.2
CONIUM (Poison Hemlock)
The immature fruit, also the leaves (unoflicial), oi CONIUM MACULATUM, Lin. Sedative, discutient, antispasmodic, anaphro disiac. Prescribed in cutaneous diseases, cancer and scrofulous indurations for its resolvent action, and in tetanus, chorea and acute mania as an antispasmodic and sedative.2
The immature fruit, also the leaves (unoflicial), oi CONIUM MACULATUM, Lin. Sedative, discutient, antispasmodic, anaphro disiac. Prescribed in cutaneous diseases, cancer and scrofulous indurations for its resolvent action, and in tetanus, chorea and acute mania as an antispasmodic and sedative.2
GOLD
The compounds of Gold have an action on the human system resembling that of mercurial salts. They modify and improve nu trition in cachectic conditions, stimulate the various emuctories and apparently give tone to the nervous system. They are hence prescribed in neurasthenia, in hysteria, in neuralgia (particularly ovarian) and in methomania. as well as in scrofula and chronic syphilis and rheumatism. a. Gold Bromide. Dose, 1-30 to 1-15 gr. The salt shows distinctly the sedative action of the br2
The compounds of Gold have an action on the human system resembling that of mercurial salts. They modify and improve nu trition in cachectic conditions, stimulate the various emuctories and apparently give tone to the nervous system. They are hence prescribed in neurasthenia, in hysteria, in neuralgia (particularly ovarian) and in methomania. as well as in scrofula and chronic syphilis and rheumatism. a. Gold Bromide. Dose, 1-30 to 1-15 gr. The salt shows distinctly the sedative action of the br2
HENBANE (Hyoscyamus)HYOSC
The leaves of HYOSCYAMUS NIGER, Lin. Anodyne, antispasmodic, hypnotic. Often prescribed in acute mania, hypochondriasis, de lirium tremens, dementia accompanied with excitement; in cough mixtures; associated with cathartics to prevent griping; as a sedative for children. taking the place of opium; for nausea of pregnancy, etc. Contains Hyoscine, q. v., as its most important active constituent (associated with Hyoscyamine and Atropine). Dose, 0.3 to 1.0 Grm. (5 to 15 grs.).2
The leaves of HYOSCYAMUS NIGER, Lin. Anodyne, antispasmodic, hypnotic. Often prescribed in acute mania, hypochondriasis, de lirium tremens, dementia accompanied with excitement; in cough mixtures; associated with cathartics to prevent griping; as a sedative for children. taking the place of opium; for nausea of pregnancy, etc. Contains Hyoscine, q. v., as its most important active constituent (associated with Hyoscyamine and Atropine). Dose, 0.3 to 1.0 Grm. (5 to 15 grs.).2
PHOSPHORUS
A powerful irritant poison. In minute doses it acts as a restora tive in nervous exhaustion. It diminishes tissue waste, and serves as a direct food for brain and bone. It is reputed aphrodisiac, and is used frequently with reference to this property, as well as in neural gia, mania, mental depression and in some cutaneous affections. It promotes the growth of bone and so is indicated in rachitis and osteomalacia. Dose, 0.0006 to 0.003 Grm. (1-100 to 1-20 gr.).2
A powerful irritant poison. In minute doses it acts as a restora tive in nervous exhaustion. It diminishes tissue waste, and serves as a direct food for brain and bone. It is reputed aphrodisiac, and is used frequently with reference to this property, as well as in neural gia, mania, mental depression and in some cutaneous affections. It promotes the growth of bone and so is indicated in rachitis and osteomalacia. Dose, 0.0006 to 0.003 Grm. (1-100 to 1-20 gr.).2
THYROID GLAND
The desiccated gland or an extract from it is used with remark able effects in myxedema. cretinism, scleroderma and excessive obesity and is also said to have given good results in acute mania, melancholia, puerperal and climacteric insanity and other condi tions of mental derangement. Dose of the dried gland (Thyroideum Siccum, B. P.), 0.2 to 0.6 Grm. (3 to 10 grs.).2
The desiccated gland or an extract from it is used with remark able effects in myxedema. cretinism, scleroderma and excessive obesity and is also said to have given good results in acute mania, melancholia, puerperal and climacteric insanity and other condi tions of mental derangement. Dose of the dried gland (Thyroideum Siccum, B. P.), 0.2 to 0.6 Grm. (3 to 10 grs.).2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Mania
DIPSOMANIA
The treatment must be largely moral, but sustaining agents such as coca are important. The remedies having most effect are salts of gold (especially Solution Gold and Arsenic Bromide, N., B. & Co.); pilocarpine, tartar emetic, lupulin and capsicum.2
The treatment must be largely moral, but sustaining agents such as coca are important. The remedies having most effect are salts of gold (especially Solution Gold and Arsenic Bromide, N., B. & Co.); pilocarpine, tartar emetic, lupulin and capsicum.2
NYMPHOMANIA
Remove any existing cause of irritation and give anaphrodisiac remedies, especially bromides.2
Remove any existing cause of irritation and give anaphrodisiac remedies, especially bromides.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.