Ben El Tabori’s disease: Four years after he revealed for the first time about his manic depression, the singer talked about the consequences of the disease on his life this weekend.
Already in 2022, Tabori revealed for the first time that at the age of 18 he was diagnosed with manic depression, which he said explained his outbursts towards his family members, including his son Prince, who was only four years old at the time.
Tabori wrote then: “I have been diagnosed with mania since the age of 18, which sometimes erupts, especially over people I love and can touch me emotionally.” He added: “Mania is not an excuse for any behavior or any form of speech. I will never forgive myself for letting myself get to this place.”
At the end of the week Tabori spoke again about his illness and revealed that he was sexually assaulted as a child which perhaps explains different layers of his complex personality and perhaps the timing of the onset of his illness. Here is a little of what can be said about manic depression:
What is bipolar disorder?
Manic depression, also known as “bipolar”, is a psychiatric disorder that affects a variety of areas of life, including energy, attention, behavior and emotional aspects. The disorder has two main types of mood states: depression (depression) and mania. Some sufferers of the disorder only experience mania, while others experience alternating symptoms of mania and depression.
What is the prevalence of the disorder?
According to estimates, about 2.5% of the population in the western world has it.
What are the symptoms of manic depression?
The symptoms are divided into two types of mood attacks – mania and depression. If the symptoms significantly disrupt daily activities, work and relationships, there is a high chance that the disorder exists.
A manic attack may include increased talkativeness, increased self-esteem, increased thoughts, decreased need for sleep, increased direct activity toward a goal, increased energy level, increased irritability, racing thoughts, impaired attention, increased risk-taking (spending money, risky sexual behaviors, traveling at high speed).
A depressive episode may include low mood, changes in sleeping habits, changes in eating habits, fatigue, lack of energy, loss of pleasure from activities that previously gave pleasure, restlessness, feelings of guilt, lack of self-worth, indecisiveness, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of suicide.
According to estimates, as in most psychiatric illnesses, the cause is hereditary, so that if there is a family member suffering from it, the other family members are at risk. Traumatic events may also increase the risk of the disorder, as well as drug or alcohol use and severe lack of sleep.
What is the typical age for the onset of the disease?
The average age of onset of the first symptoms is 25, although children and teenagers may also develop symptoms.
What causes the disorder?
It is not clear what the exact cause is, but as mentioned, there is apparently a hereditary basis, so that if there is a family member suffering from it, the other family members are at risk. Traumatic events may also increase the risk of the disorder, as well as drug or alcohol use and severe lack of sleep.
How is the disease diagnosed?
A psychiatrist may diagnose the disease after ruling out other diseases and checking compliance with the criteria that appear in the psychiatric diagnosis book DSM-5.
What is the treatment?
Manic depression is chronic and lasts a lifetime. Today there are a variety of effective medications that help patients return to daily activities, routine life, relationships, work, studies and self-fulfillment. The drugs are often given in combination with psychological treatments. In severe cases, some patients need hospitalization for mental balance.