This archive report was first published on 26 August 2020.
On August 26, 2020, a reader reached out to us with a question about their experience with depression treatment.
They had been on treatment for suspected depression for about four months and noticed that their friends claimed they had become hyper in their actions.
Is this normal during such treatment?
Our response began by clarifying the meaning of the word 'hyper' in the context of the question.
Traditionally, 'hyper' described things that were above normal, such as hypertension or hyperthyroidism.
However, in modern usage, 'hyper' can also refer to being unusually energetic or active.
The reader's question suggested that they had swung from one pole to the other, experiencing both low energy and high spirits.
This could be a sign of a bipolar mood disorder, a condition where a person experiences extreme mood swings.
Doctors categorize this condition further, but for now, we will leave it as is.
It's essential to note that the manic episode could have been caused by the use of antidepressants, a situation that is not uncommon in clinical practice.
Some people may continue to get medication from the chemists, leading to this complication.
Careful monitoring is the key to preventing this complication.
A bipolar mood disorder is a condition that has achieved semi-celebrity status, with famous men and women being diagnosed with it.
For example, Mariah Carey went public with her diagnosis in 2018, saying she was diagnosed with the condition in 2001.
Before that, she had lived in denial of the diagnosis, which stood in the way of adequate treatment.
Other famous individuals, such as Robert Turner, the founder of CNN, and Sir Winston Churchill, the wartime British Prime Minister, have also lived with bipolar mood disorder.
Churchill's experiences with the condition are particularly notable, as he was able to publish 43 books and serve as Prime Minister during his manic episodes.
However, during his depressive episodes, he experienced deep sadness and despair, with feelings of hopelessness.
It's essential to seek a medical opinion in the case of a manic episode, as it's not enough to Google the condition and make a diagnosis on yourself.
