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Manic-depressive disorder, commonly known as bipolar disorder, is a mental irregularity involving episodes of serious mania and depression. The person's mood swings usually range from overly high and irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again. The frequency of the mood swings between these two states and the duration of the mood varies from person to person. Manic-depression usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. There are many potential causes of this disorder, which may include elevated stress levels, feelings of mania and depression triggered by substance or alcohol abuse, or unusual events in a person's life. Family history and genetics often play an important role in the likelihood of someone having manic depression. In addition, inadequate stress management may also contribute to the disorder's manifestation. The most common symptoms of manic-depressive disorder include frequent mood shifts from mania to depression. Manic-depression is treatable through a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Antimanic (an-tee-MAN-ik) medications include Tegratol® (teg-ruh-TOL), Depakote® (dep-uh-KOAT), Lithane® (LITH-ain), Lithobid® (LITH-o-bid), and Eskalith® (ES-kuh-lith). Side effects from these medications, especially those containing the drug lithium, may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, mental dullness, slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, muscle twitching, irregular heart beat, and blurred vision. Side effects specifically related to lithium may include drowsiness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hand tremor, or increased thirst and urination. For more information about manic-depressive disorder, consult a healthcare specialist.
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