A 33-year-old member asked:
how does manic depression affect one's brain and emotions?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alan Ali answered
Psychiatry 32 years experience
Manic depression: Bipolar disorder affects brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, mainly dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Changes in these chemicals affect mood, cognition, perceptions and rational thinking.
5742 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jeff Jacobs answered
Child Psychiatry 22 years experience
Dramatically: Manic depression, aka bipolar disorder, is, a major mood disorder that has profound and variable effects on emotions which may range from elation to range to profound depression. The neurotransmitter systems are altered in many areas throughout the brain. Although most abnormalities are subtle and not structural there is some evidence for subtle structural brain abnormalities as well.
5740 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Andrew Berry answered
Clinical Psychology 14 years experience
Mood swings: Manic depression, now known as bipolar disorder, is characterized by swings of mood, often extreme, and these swings can happen slowly or quickly, even several times during a day, especially if left unmedicated. Manic phases can even become psychotic. Imagine waking up feeling as though you can beat up the universe with your pinky finger, then a short time later feeling suicidal and despondent.
3154 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Jan 13, 2016
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