Manic depression (sometimes called bipolar disorder) can easily be confused for clinical depression because of similar symptoms. Experts however, will also recognize symptoms that set manic depression apart from any other types of depression. Still, even medical professionals and researchers aren't sure what causes manic or bipolar depression.
Manic depression can be only be diagnosed by experts who are trained to analyze the patients symptoms. The person suffering from manic depression usually display very erratic behavior. This behavior could be a spending way more money then their budget allows, most common to luxury items. Sexual episodes that are spontaneous or thoughtless is another clue. A disturbed sleeping pattern is another one and so is difficulty focusing on every day responsibilities and tasks.
A person suffering from manic depression isn't always harmless. 
Without professional help he or she could harm themselves or others. 
Even loved ones, own children included. So proper help should start as fast as possible. The help of others around the patient is sometimes needed for the patient may not even be aware that he is sick. So why should he visit a doctor, right? That's why the behavior of people around the patient is extremely important. They are often the first to notice that something is seriously wrong. If they are able and willing to take proper action, a lot of damage can be avoided.
Manic depression can be cured most of the times. These days there are effective medications available to help people who suffer manic depression. Mood swings for example can pretty effectively be treated with a mood stabilizing drug called lithium. Lithium can have side effects so it should only be used under close medical supervision.
But lithium isn't the only drug that health care professionals have available to treat manic depressed patients and the variety of approved drugs is growing fast.
Therapy with a psychiatrist or psychologist is effective too. These professionals get better and better. Patient and professional will discuss the problem in order to help the patient to come to terms with the problems he or she is facing. Sometimes patients benefit from a support group with people who share their problem.
