Every time I search for facts on Manic Depression, I get stuff on Bipolar Disorder instead, so is it the same thing?

Among all types of depression manic depressive disorder or bipolar disorder is by far the least common. Nonetheless, according to recent studies and depending on the interpretation of the results of these studies about 1.3 to 6.4 percent of the population can be classified as having manic depressive disorder. This type of depression is characterized by mood swings between severe emotional lows (the depressive state) and highs (the manic state. In general manic depressive disorder is categorized as either Bipolar Type I or Bipolar Type II – the former defined by mania in its extreme form, the latter characterized by a less extreme expression of mania called hypo-mania.

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I was diagnosed with Manic Depression about three years ago. I stopped taking the meds after six months because I didn’t like what they do to me.

I have been having difficulty with my MD a lot lately–it’s been worse. Mood swings for no causes whatsoever. I was googling some alternatives to prescribed medication for Manic Depression and everything that came up was Bipolar disorder.

I knew that the two were similar–but are they really the same thing?

Researchers have long studied the relationship between bipolar disorder and sleep in manic depressive patients. The intense manic and depression episodes clearly impact the quality of sleep and the amount of sleep that the bipolar person receives on a nightly basis.

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I want to be more up than down and I never have an equal balance. So I say go for manic. I will see my doctor in a couple of days and I want to know if anyone here has any suggestions. I am currently on Lamictal and a nerve medication. He added another one that seemed to lift me up a lot, but the side effects were horrible–Ambilify–I think I spelled it correctly. Anyway, what is another good one similar to it or one that will keep my mood up and give me energy?

I have reworded a question I asked last week to make it a bit more clearer. Unfortunately I was unable to get any good answers because I probably did not explain exactly what my condition is.

Has anyone that is bipolar (manic depression) ever been on the combo of Lamictal for manic depression and Invega which helps with depression that creeps up while on Lamictal?

boarderline personality disorder? How does one determine if they have one of these disorders or if they are just suffering from depression and anxiety?

I was diagnosed with this. I take medication to keep at a stable medium mood. But at times my moods drop into severe depression and even suicidal modes. Last night was the first night that every two minutes I delt with a different mood. Happy, crying, panic attacks, self destructive, suicidal, worthlessness, and a medium stable clear headed mood. Every two minutes was a change. I know my stress levels have increased due to factors in my life. When in a stable medium mood I almost feel “normal”. In times like these I think maybe I need to be locked away in a psych facility long term with no people contact and be isolated. My mind runs rapid. My chest feel like it will explode at times. I cant breath. Then I feel worthless and hopeless and unloved and cry. Too much for one person to handle. I take medication. Should I take more? Or a different kind? I am going today back to the doctor for a check up on the bipolar. Do you have any helpful info to help me deal with this battle?

My roommate has become a “Rocket Man” with manic behavior and I am stuck here with his mania. As I am bipolar myself, I am aware of the symptoms, but don’t know how to handle this guy.