Manic-depressive disorder is considered the historical name of Bipolar disorder. The two are characterized by episodes of hyperactivity and at least one period of depression. This may seem like a very general description, which is why it is difficult to diagnose such disorders because of the different levels of severity; the disorder needs to be diagnosed carefully. The disorder is complex and emotionally unstable for individuals. The negative symptoms of bipolar are the times of depression that a person is in. And positive symptoms are the periods of hyperactivity associated with the manic state. Bipolar diorder affects about 2.6% of adults in the U.S. and about 84% of those cases are severe.
There are five major types of bipolar disorder and each one has its own description and symptoms associated with it.
- Bipolar disorder I- At least one obvious episode of mania or hyperactivity and sever mood swings to depression.
- Bipolar disorder II- A milder form of Bipolar 1 but still experience mood swings.
- Cyclothymic disorder- Depression and hyperactivity periods aren’t as long or severe.
- Unspecified bipolar disorder- A mix of episodic symptoms. Depression and hyperactivity stages aren’t distinguishable.
- Rapid cycling bipolar disorder- Four or more mood out-bursts happen within a year. This type of Bipolar can worsen and is most prevalent in women causing severe depression.
As I write this blog post, the words and guitar solos James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix bring me a sense of happiness and creativity. One of Jimi’s most famous songs titled “Manic Depression” has a very melancholy feel to it. But we still happily groove to his music. Jimi Hendrix is considered one of the greatest guitarists in history, and his music is still very popular in the present day. His music brings inspiration and happiness to his listeners, but many people look past the events of his life that “inspired” his music. Jimi grew up in a home with alcoholic parents who were abusive to him and to each other. At nine years of age Jimi’s parents divorced and his mother had passed away. He was described as a quiet child that struggled with poverty and family disruption at such a young age. The instability of his life caused him to go into bouts of depression, and episodes of hyperactivity that would get him in trouble during school. The recreational drug use during the era he grew up in also afflicted his life. The events of his life give listeners some insight to his lyrics and the music he has produced. As one source described “The manic end pushed by the music that flowed from his soul and the depression that came from his life”.
Jimi Hendrix isn’t the only famous person whose life was afflicted with manic depression and known for being musically inclined. Beethoven had a form of bipolar disorder and had composed some of the greatest symphonies ever. Kurt Cobain, who is also a musical inspiration to people, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. If you have ever heard the Hendrix rendition of “ The Star Spangled Banner” you might ask yourself how one could come up with such sounds and why? What inspired Edgar Allan Poe, who also had Bipolar disorder, to come up with the most fascinating mysteries and poems in the world?
Although these people suffered from Manic Depression, a positive thing came from it. These people are remembered for their talents and not for their mental turmoil. Instead of jumping to the conclusion that all mental disorders are negative thing, we should consider the positive aspects of the negative symptoms. There is hope and treatments for those individuals who have severe cases of BP that still hold normal jobs and have families. Most treatments and medications focus on helping with the depression stages because the manic stage can be controlled with counseling instead of medications. Alternative methods include, meditation, counseling and guidance to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
http://www.survivingdepression.net/copying/jimihendrix.html
http://www.poemuseum.org/life.php
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-forms
Hey There Cobbersonthebrain,
Interesting Post, For those that are suffering from manic depression indicators, there is very little fine that they see or come to feel. Manic depression is much varying from that of clinical melancholy. Manic is also and a good deal more often known, as bipolar dysfunction, a everyday life threatening affliction. If you feel that you have any of these manic depression signs or symptoms, or you know someone that does, it is essential that you search for out health-related focus as quickly as conceivable for them.
Wishes