The History of Treatment for Manic DepressionThe treatment of manic depression has changed over the years. This essay will compare the view and treatment of manic depression in the sixties to the view and treatment today. The mental illness of manic depression, as well as its treatment and diagnosis, will be explained and detailed. Diagnosing manic depression has been a difficult task for doctors. In the 1960s, people were rarely treated, or even diagnosed, for manic depression. It wasn't until the 1970s that Lithium, a mood sedative for maniacs, was introduced. Manic depression was not easily detected. Most doctors attribute these dramatic mood swings to puberty or adolescence. Most often, the patient was told to get rid of it or given some form of antidepressant. Many people began self-medicating in the 1960s with the various medications that were circulating. There were medications and treatments, but none were specifically for manic depression. The most common medications were Thorazine, various tranquilizers, meprobamate (Miltown), Librium, and diazepam (Valium). The most common treatment was psychotherapy or talk therapy. If your symptoms or actions were severe, you were likely labeled insane or insane and institutionalized. Even though your condition has improved, the stigma of having been crazy has haunted you as you try to live a normal life. Since the 1990s, diagnosing mania has become increasingly easier. CT scans and MRIs show abnormalities and changes in brain waves to help with diagnosis. Mania can now be treated with lithium, anticonvulsants, and therapeutic intervention. There are now support groups and other help for people. Many people are still hospitalized, but conditions are much better. People are no longer called crazy. This is a problem that many people are trying to understand. There are still ignorant people and the stigma of mental illness is still there. Manic depression, in most cases, is treatable and people who suffer from it can live.