Depression and mania

Overview

Depression refers to a persistently low mood. Mania on the other hand is characterised by a high energy state, extreme elation and a loss of inhibitions. Episodes of depression and mania can alternate, in which case we speak of bipolar affective disorder. Exercise, sunlight, music, psychotherapy or medication can help with this condition.

Symptoms

Main symptoms of depression

• Severely low mood over a longer period (at least two weeks)
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Despair
  • Feeling inferior
  • Loss of vitality
• Loss of interest
• Lack of motivation
• Tiring quickly

Other symptoms of depression

• Low sense of self-worth
• Feelings of guilt
• Reduced concentration and obsessive thoughts going round and round the mind
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling agitated
• Sleep disorders
• Digestive disorders
• Loss of libido
• Suicidal thoughts
  

Main symptoms of mania

• Elevated mood (usually seen as inappropriate by others)
• Irritability
• Over-estimation of own capabilities

Other symptoms of mania

• Hyperactivity
• Urge to talk
• Racing mind
• Inappropriate behaviour
• Reduced need for sleep
• Heightened libido
• Frivolous, wasteful or risky behaviour

Bipolar affective disorder

• Alternating episodes of depression and mania
  

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Unclear in most cases

Risk factors

• Family history
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Underactive thyroid
• Chronic disease
• Stressful or upsetting life event
• Dementia
• Stroke
• Parkinson's disease

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Blood test (measurement of hormones)
• ECG (electrocardiogram)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the head

Possible therapies

• Psychotherapy
• Medication (antidepressants, lithium)
  
  

What can I do myself?

• Exercise (e.g. walking, doing sport)
• Listening to or making music
• Getting enough sunshine and fresh air
• Trying to talk about the situation

When to see a doctor?

• Persistently negative mood
• Suicidal thoughts
• Loss of interest
• Inappropriate euphoria combined with irritability
• Lots of energy in spite of abnormally little sleep (few hours per day)
  

Further information

Swiss Forum for Mood and Anxiety Disorders SFMAD (Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Angst und Depression SGAD)
www.sgad.ch