Manic Depression is an older term for what is now known as bipolar disorder. This condition is used after observing a patient and confirmed, only after a fairly considerable amount of time and by an expert psychiatrist.

Now the patient may initially be examined when he/she is going through a period of depression. So, initially, the person is diagnosed with depression. Now, this usually leads to the doctors prescribing the wrong medication, like Prozac, which has an adverse, and paradoxical effect. Instead of reducing the depression, it increases it.

Now manic-depression, or bipolar disorder, is described as a person being "moody," having mood swings, and there are two tyoes: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Bipolar I indicates the more severe disorder because the person actualy has diurnal swings, in other words, during the course of one day, the person may be exuberant and then lethargic. Bipolar II indicates that a person may pass through seasonal exuberances, followed by long depressive episodes lasting months.According to bipoar.about.com if paranoia or hallucinations occur, then the diagnosis is definitely Bipolar I. Also the patient with Bipolar I experiences full blown mania and the Bipolar II patient a less severe form of hypomania.

So, that is why it may be very difficult to properly diagnose the person, because without the corroboration of a third party, most likely a family member, about the "mood swings", the doctor has only a short history during which to examine the patient. Usually, it is during the depressive cycle.

Another symptom of bipolar disorder is thoughts of grandeur, and racing toughts, and this is where the psychosis may come in. Psychosis is not always connected with bipolar disorder. However, during an exuberant phase, the patient may become disorganized, and/or suicidal. In fact, suicidal ideation is one of the conclusive factors in diagnosing manic-depressive. Additionally, drug use and promiscuity are often linked to bipolar disrder.

Psychosis itself refers more clearly to those who experience delirium or hallucinations, rather than in bipolar disorder, although it can happen. Obviously there are many times when a person has overlapping diagnoses, as one with schizophrenia may also have a concurrent bipolar disorder, or a Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD).

In order to make a conclusive diagnosis, which is the most important step, the person should be hospitalized, so that adequate observation can be made possibly by several doctors, some of whom may be more expert psychiatrists. It is very difficult to arrive at a dignosis based on an outpatient visit.

Just as an aside, medical astrology has pointed out that Kalaparusha Yoga often indicates a bipolar condition.I might mention that many in Hollywood have this characteristic as is demonstrated by their behavor, promiscuity and high suicide rate.Kalaparusha Yoga can be responsible for meteoric rise to fame but is also the culprit behind their mania.

There is some controversy over the use of medications, since there will be side effects, but obviously some may not want to go against their doctor's advice. I have met some who have used yoga and meditation and other spiritual practices to nice advantage. However, it is best to notify your family members, if you decide to go that route, as they will be more objective and can give you feedback.