Final answer:
Your aunt may be suffering from bipolar disorder, which involves alternating periods of major depression and mania. Accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your aunt experiences periods of deep depression followed by periods of euphoria and unrealistic optimism, she is likely suffering from bipolar disorder.
This mental illness is characterized by the dramatic shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder alternate between episodes of major depression, marked by intense sadness and despair, and episodes of mania, .
Where they may feel overly happy or outgoing. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.
During depressive episodes, individuals may experience symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy, and changes in appetite, which are not countered by the use of anti-depressants alone.
On the other hand, during manic episodes, they might feel unrealistically optimistic, show poor judgment, and engage in reckless behavior.
Treatment for bipolar disorder often includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. It is essential for individuals with bipolar disorder to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan that may include mood stabilizers .