Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Signs of Mania
• Method 2 of 3: Signs of Depression
• Method 3 of 3: Signs of mixed feelings
• Tips
• Warnings

Circular psychosis, also known as manic-depressive disorder, causes dramatic changes in mood, energy, and behavior. The symptoms of manic-depressive disorder vary greatly in complexity and frequency. In general, people suffering from this condition experience three different phases of mood: mania, depression, and mixed states. Symptoms depend on your mood.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Signs of Mania

1. 1 Decreased sleep. Manic sufferers feel good enough despite lack of sleep.
2. 2 Pay attention to the speed and consistency of this person's speech. During an outbreak of mania, people begin to speak so quickly and change the topic of conversation so unpredictably that it is difficult for listeners to make out what is at stake.
3. 3 Look for extreme feelings of optimism or unjustified self-confidence on the part of this person. This behavior often looks like blurred consciousness, carelessness, or impulsive behavior.
4. 4 A person cannot concentrate and is constantly distracted by something.
5. 5 Remember that someone is having hallucinations or illusions, that person may be experiencing an acute form of mania. Such episodes often lead to misdiagnosis of schizophrenia.

Method 2 of 3: Signs of Depression

1. 1 Watch for changes in that person's sleep schedule. During depression, a person sleeps either more or less than usual, and sleep can be easily interrupted.
2. 2 Pay attention to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and emptiness. During the depression phase, the person suffering from manic-depressive disorder will have a difficult time finding something joyful in this life. He may even lose interest in things he used to care about, including sex.
3. 3 This person usually looks tired, low-energy, and generally lethargic.
4. 4 Track the change in the person's weight and the severity of his appetite. Depression can provoke the poor guy to eat more or less than usual.

Method 3 of 3: Signs of mixed feelings

1. 1 Watch for conflicting symptoms occurring at the same time. These symptoms include both signs of mania and depression.
2. 2 Pay attention to feelings such as anxiety, irritability, and restlessness.
3. 3 This state is accompanied by high energy and depression.
4. 4 Remember that the risk of suicide increases during an episode of mixed feelings.

Tips

• People with manic-depressive disorder should try to reduce stress by eating healthy and balanced meals, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, keeping a mood journal, and joining a support group.
• Some members of this group of people may experience seasonal mood swings.

Warnings

• If you find symptoms of manic-depressive disorder in yourself or in someone else, see your doctor immediately, or the symptoms may worsen over time.
• Although most people with this disorder are prone to frequent mood swings, many of them stay in the same mood for no longer period of time, which makes it more difficult to notice this disorder in a person.
• Treatment is a lengthy process that usually requires a combination of medication, therapy, emotional support, and lifestyle changes. Antidepressants cannot overcome the problem alone.