Manic Depression??

My brother was diagnosed with manic depression. he is on medication for it. Now he seems to think that everyone in the family has it and is in self-denial. He's always preaching about it. I'm pretty sure I don't have it, I'm not manic and I hardly ever get depressed. my sister probably does, she acts pretty wierd alot of the time. She's been phyco for years. does it run in the family?? I don't think my mom has it either. Can't speak for my dad, he died and I never really knew him at all.

Can be genetic but it has to start SOMEWHERE! it is likely to for a misdiagnosis.. as it seems EVERYone has some disorder! but you know your brother better then me! he sounds like he is trying to play doctor, just ignore it. he is probably a little mad that he is and like they say "misery loves company"!!!

Also....being weird does not mean you are mentally ill in any way!!!! there are a lot of factors to consider.

Manic depressive - What does it mean?
Manic depressive refers to mood swings from overly “high” (manic) to overly “low” (depressed). another name for manic-depressive illness is bipolar disorder. this refers to a person’s mood alternating between “poles” of mania (highs) and depression (lows). Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual changes in the person’s mood, energy, and ability to function.

Manic-depressive illness or bipolar disorder affects both men and women. although it can start at any age, it usually begins in late adolescence. Bipolar disorder is found among people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and social classes. it appears to have a genetic link and tends to run in families. unfortunately, in addition to affecting the sufferer’s life, this disease also has the potential to devastate the lives of the caregivers and those in the immediate family circle.

Manic depressive - How is it diagnosed?
The symptoms of manic-depressive illness or bipolar disorder are classified according to either manic or depressive episodes. Manic depressive states are diagnosed as:

Manic episode: A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with 3 or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, or for 1 week or longer. if the mood is irritable, 4 additional symptoms must be present.

Depressive episode: A depressive episode is diagnosed if 5 or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, or for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

Mixed bipolar episode: in some people, however, symptoms of mania and depression can occur together in a mixed bipolar state. A person could have a very sad, hopeless mood, while feeling energized at the same time.

Manic depressive-What are the treatment options?
Know your personal triggers: Manic-depressive illness has a recurrent pattern, and continuous treatment is necessary. An adequate amount of sleep and regular sleep times are of primary importance in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Knowing personal triggers such as sleep patterns and life events help in the proper treatment of the disease.

Medication: Psychiatrists generally prescribe medications known as “mood stabilizers” e.g., lithium or valproate. if needed, antidepressants are used to balance the highs and lows of the disease.

Monitor your thyroid function: People with bipolar disorder often have abnormal thyroid function. Thyroid levels need to be monitored carefully because they affect mood and energy levels.

Learn to spot relapses: For a person with manic-depressive illness, understanding the illness and learning to spot relapses is vital to successful treatment. this applies to the person who has the illness as well as family members who often seek treatment.

Manic-depressive – is there hope?
It is not uncommon for the sufferer and his family members to have a sense of sadness and incompleteness concerning the diagnosis of manic-depressive illness, despite having carefully monitored treatment options.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” those who trust Jesus for salvation become children of God, and God gives them His spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. No one has to ‘go it alone.’ despite a diagnosis of manic-depressive illness, if you have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son, and rely on Him for guidance and direction, you will have the power to live life.

in science it is believed that in every family 10% of the people have mental illness even if they don't show it

My advice is to not jump to any conclusions. Doctors know a lot more about it than the typical person.

I don't think anybody should ever be considered "crazy" or "psycho" and yes it can run in the family and you don't really know what it's like to actually live with a chemical in balance, it's almost like if a diabetic doesn't produce enough insulin to control their sugar, well the brain can do the same thing where the brain won't produce enough of the chemicals to keep it balanced so there is a medication to help keep it balanced, and just like for a diabetic if the Dr. does not give the person the right dose to keep the sugar under control then there is going to be problems. to be supportive and understanding of your brothers illness would be the best thing a sister could do!!! think about it, has your brother ever had or seen anything tragic, has anyone ever hurt him in anyway?

Depression can be genetic, but most times it's from stress and anxiety.

Yes, manic depression (now called Bipolar) runs in families. there is a genetic component to it and most people who have it also have a parent or grandparent with it.

your brother has been diagnosed, so he has it.
unless others in your family can't cope with life, they don't need to be tested or diagnosed.

I think your brother just feels insecure because he was diagnosed and he feels "not as good" as the rest of the family.

Just try to be supportive of him, and keep him on his medication.

Yes, bi-polar disorder (aka manic depression) does run in families, but that doesn't mean that everyone in your family has it. It's also on a continuum- some people have it just a touch and others are severely affected, so that would account for it being difficult to necessarily nail down.

"it has long been believed by lay and medical people that bipolar disorder is hereditary. Geneticists laboring under the same belief are endeavoring to determine which genes and chromosomes, in tandem or singularly, are the carriers of bipolar disorder."

Hope this helps! good Luck, and all the best!

http://www.allaboutlifechallenges.org/ma…

Manic Depression??

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