A sign that he is about to emerge from his well and begin swelling to the crest of his wave is his occasional appearance in synagogue. He is the most friendly during this transition stage, showing genuine care for the needs of others. He goes on a diet, begins exercising, resolves to stop smoking once and for all, and seriously considers stopping working and returning to a full-day schedule of Torah study. When one speaks to him of his condition, he admits that he leads a somewhat unconventional lifestyle, but denies need for psychiatric help. Causes of Manic Depression There is a wide divergence of opinion among professionals regarding the cause of manic depression.
Some views are incompatible with each other.
Research studies indicate that there is a genetic propensitytowards developing manic depression. According to this opinion,breakdowns tend to occur when a stressful event acts as a catalystand triggers off a biochemical imbalance in the brain. Hence,stabilizing medication is considered the most appropriate formof treatment, while the role of psychotherapy would be limitedto helping victims cope with the repercussions of the illnessin their daily lives. Some psychiatrists and psychotherapists believe manic depressionresults from severe emotional damage suffered during the earlystages of life. It is believed that the parents of the victimcould not have prevented this emotional damage from taking place,since they themselves would have been trying to cope with personal difficulties and unsatisfied needs.