Bipolar Disorder - Research Proposal Example

You vascilitate backwards and forwards between being totally elated and totally gloomy, and between such periods you feel more stable.” (2008). “Imbalance in the brain biochemicals called neurotransmitters, which convey messages between the nerves, also appears to play a major role. Too many or too few neurotransmitters are believed to cause alterations in mood.” (2006). Mayo Clinic (2008) points out that “a variety of biochemical, genetic and environmental factors seem to be involved in causing and triggering bipolar episodes.” Mind.Org.

UK points out the following possible causes: “Stress is likely to play a large part, and the role of cortisol on the developing brain is being researched. Prenatal stresses on the developing foetus are seen as important, both environmentally and nutritionally, as well as the impact of the mother’s mental and physical health on the foetus” (1995-2006). But this disease provokes “unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function, (…) can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide” (NIMH, 2008).

NIMH remarks the following about the bipolar disorder: “Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful behaviors, destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often erodes the desire and will to live. It is an illness that is biological in its origins, yet one that feels psychological in the experience of it; an illness that is unique in conferring advantage and pleasure, yet one that brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and, not infrequently, suicide.” (2008) “Psychotic features (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) may be present in manic, mixed or depressive episodes and tend to relate to the mood.

For example, during manic episodes, patients may believe they are invulnerable to physical harm and, during major depressive episodes, patients may believe they are guilty of a great crime or sin.