In any given year, it is estimated that more than 2 million American adults, or about 1 percent of the population age 18 and older, have manic depression. This disorder involves episodes (cycles) of mania and depression. The depression episodes can involve symptoms such as persistent sad mood, significant change in appetite, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. During a manic episode, a person may have symptoms such as decreased need for sleep, overly inflated self-esteem, and racing thoughts.
Most people with the condition are free of symptoms between cycles, but as many as one-third can have residual symptoms. As with medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease, manic depression is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.
(Click Manic Depression to learn more about this condition, including the characteristics of the cycles, possible symptoms, and more. You can also click on any of the links in the box to the right for more specific information.)
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