Bipolar disorder - Research Paper Example

We can therefore know of our safety from mental disorders through gaining knowledge of symptoms of the disorders and establishing their absence. This, however, can be done better through specialists’ advice (Cleveland, 2009). Personal perception and understanding of mental disorder My personal opinion on mental disorders has changed to identify positivity in challenged individuals. Previously, I held the perception that the disorders cannot be managed for the victims’ positive lives. I have however learnt that the disorders are common among people but are managed to insignificant levels that allow the individuals to lead normal lives.

I also now understand that mental disorder victims require psychological care support for proper management of their conditions (Helpguide, n.d.). Understanding mental disorders Understanding mental disorders should adopt a systematic professional approach that establishes root causes of the disorders. This is because of the level of complexity and diversity of the disorders with different causes, either psychological or biological. Such an understanding develops a basis for managing the mental disorders (Nairne, 2008).

Impacts of culture on diagnosis of mental disorders Culture has direct impacts on diagnosis of mental disorders through defining abnormal behavior. . Its susceptibility level is uniform across gender as men and women shows almost same prevalence rates. Women are however slightly more vulnerable to the disorder. Bipolar disorder majorly develops during a person’s early ages, normally teenage, and predominantly consists of “depressive and maniac episodes” that alternates or simultaneously manifest (Brown, n.d., po. 1). It is estimated to affect at least ten million individuals in America, impairing the victims’ attitudes, physical potential, and ability to work.

Even though it is chronic, its symptoms are periodic and are manageable through medications (Duckworth, 2006). Diagnosis Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is efficiently done through trained healthcare personnel or a specialized expert such as psychologist. It may be achieved through “physical examination, an interview, or lab tests” (Nimh, 2012, p. 1). Physical examination for example identifies a person’s abnormal energy and physical activity levels while interviews identifies significant changes in attitudes and behavior.

Diagnosis can also be done through a psychiatric evaluation (Nimh, 2012). Treatment There is currently no identified treatment for bipolar disorder. A number of treatment for managing patients’ symptoms are however available to prevent hospitalization and advancement of the disorder to more serious stages. Application of “mood stabilizing medications,” “atypical antipsychotic medications,” and “antidepressant medications” has for example been adopted with each category consisting of a variety of drugs (Nimh, 2012, p.

1; Brown, n.d). Evidence based practice that identify treatment models also integrates with medicinal approaches to facilitate management of the disorder. The approaches’ diversity