Manic-Depressive Reaction: Therapy and Prognosis
Definition
Manic-Depressive Reaction, also known as Bipolar Disorder, is a mental health disorder characterized by extreme changes in mood, energy, and behavior. People affected by this disorder often experience alternating episodes of extreme manic behavior, including elevated mood, increased energy, and inflated self-esteem, and episodes of extreme depression, including sadness and hopelessness.
History
The term Manic-Depressive Reaction was first used by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin in the late 19th century to describe a mental health disorder characterized by extreme, and often alternating, changes in mood and behavior. Though Kraepelin was the first to use the term, the condition was first described by French physician Jules Falret in 1854. In the first half of the 20th century, the disorder was thought to be a form of schizophrenia, though this view was later rejected.
Treatment and Prognosis
Manic-Depressive Reaction is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used form of psychotherapy and can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns. Medication is typically prescribed to reduce the intensity and frequency of manic and depressive episodes.
The prognosis of Manic-Depressive Reaction is generally good with treatment. Studies have shown that individuals with Bipolar Disorder who receive a combination of psychotherapy and medication experience a reduction in the intensity and frequency of manic and depressive episodes. However, it is important to note that Manic-Depressive Reaction can be complicated and can be very difficult to manage without proper treatment.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Kraepelin, E. (1921). Manic-depressive insanity and paranoia. Edinburgh: Livingstone.
Kupfer, D. J., & First, M. B. (2014). Bipolar disorder: A clinical review. Jama, 311(4), 387-398.
Lim, B. J., & Wong, M. Y. (2020). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 268, 617-631.
Merikangas, K. R., Akiskal, H. S., Angst, J., Greenberg, P. E., Hirschfeld, R. M. A., Petukhova, M., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorder in the national comorbidity survey replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 64(5), 543-552.