Test For Manic Depression: Which Ones Can You Trust?

A test for manic depression is usually performed for people who manifest depression symptoms. What is manic depression? Does this type of depression really exist?

There are many books that delve into the topic of depression; millions of people get afflicted with and debilitated by it. Some of those who are depressed look normal at first meeting but when you get to know them more, their mood disorder will become apparent.

However, depression is not simply having a sad thought, with the person slumped in a corner, looked gloomy and crying all day long - it is more than that. In fact there are some people who are happy one moment, sad in another. This condition is known as manic depression.

The Need to Test for Manic Depression

Psychiatrists do a test for manic depression in people who display symptoms of even just a mild form of depression. The reason is that the approach in treating this type of depression is quite different from other types of depression. Most of the times the anxiety is addressed first before depression, unlike other types of depression such as unipolar or major depression that a person needs to be pulled up from his depressed state before he does harm to himself.

How can you differentiate manic depression from other types of depression?

This is very tricky, which is why test for manic depression must be thorough.

A manic-depressive person will manifest symptoms of extreme anxiety and extreme depression, thus the term "bipolar" is also applied to this disorder. Mania and hypomania are two extremes of two polar ends. A manic-depressive person goes in and out these two extreme emotional polarities.

So, to test for manic depression, one needs to see how long the mania lasts and when the hypomania sets in.

You may notice in a manic-depressive person that one day he has this grandiose thinking, as though he is the most gifted person around and will brag about things that he has accomplished; then, the next day, he'll confide in you how he thinks he's worthless and cannot accomplish anything in his life.

These contradicting emotions that usually occur within a short period of time is a perfect example of bipolar symptoms.

Other Symptoms

Mania is a feeling of extreme elation, so another test for manic depression is to see if a person becomes talkative, hyperactive, restless and impulsive for something that is not worthy of elation. The display of excessive happiness and extreme energy distracts you because he or she only goes ga-ga like this when he or she is drunk.

Other manic behavior is the sudden need to seek for thrills, such as overspending, dangerous actions without thinking of the possible consequences, and reckless sexual behavior. Some manic-depressive patients shoplift just for the fun of it, engage in a one-night stand or have sex with multiple partners or take pictures or videos oneself totally naked or having sexual intercourse and share the pictures and videos to others, even strangers, without shame.

Then he'll go in a depressive mood, suddenly sulking about his impulsive behaviors and wanting to punish himself for doing illicit acts.

Are Online Tests for Manic Depression Reliable?

There are online sites that provide questionnaire to self-assess your current mental condition. The question now is, are they reliable?

There are sites that provide questionnaire adapted from test used by reliable sources. Psychiatrists designed these tests.

They are reliable in some ways, but the thing here is that a person answering the questionnaire may not have fully understood the context of the questions.

Which is why it is best to take the test in the presence of a psychiatrist or a licensed counselor. This way, a professional can help you understand what the question means. Moreover, aside from the tests, you will be interviewed to assess your condition fully.

A Professional's Take

Only a professional can know fully if a person is manic-depressive. Also a psychiatrist or licensed counselor can help you deal with your illness and learn how to control the urge to be impulsive and reckless. Medications will be prescribe to help you recover fast.

If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from manic-depression, better go to a psychiatrist so that he can give you a test for manic depression.