Bipolar disorder - Term Paper Example

 Bipolar Disorder This is a disorder associated with moods where individuals who are suffering from it experience episodes of frenzy. These different states vary from being extremely happy, to extreme sadness, or irritability. The main one is the state of depression where an individual may shut down completely and fail to recover. A lot has been said about this disorder from the time it was discovered to be a problem. There are different theories that surround it, but so far, nothing concrete has come up to provide evidence of its cause. There are different states; for example mania. At lower levels, an individual may appear elated, happy, and particularly active. At high levels of this stage, individuals become reckless and behave erratically. Depressive episodes are common in bipolar individuals. They experience a sense of mania as well as depression. This may last for some time; say a few weeks to several months (Miklowitz, 2010). This paper will examine bipolar disorder, and find out the elements that surround this disorder among diagnosed individuals. A significant number of individuals can attest to having a symptom at one point or another in their life. This varies across different cultural and ethnic backgrounds that may surround an individual. Women and men alike are affected equally by this disorder. There are different factors that may contribute to the possibility of this disorder affecting an individual (Marneros & Goodwin, 2005). Genetic and other environmental factors are predicted as the main factors that contribute to the manifestation of this disorder. Problems do exist for folks diagnosed with such a condition. They range from prejudice to social stigma, which often force these individuals to act out and cause more problems for themselves and others (Miklowitz, 2010). Causes Even though, many theories have come up to suggest the presence and prevalence of bipolar disorder among individuals, there is no exact known cause of bipolar disorder. It is a common occurrence among people who often have relatives that might have this disorder. Between the ages of 15 and 25 years, these symptoms may start to manifest among teenagers and young adults. Extreme happiness/mania and depression may manifest in an individual and may not be detected as a problem due to the age of an individual or situation. However, extreme happiness or depression may be brought on by some factors within or without an individual’s control. Recreational drug use, medicine or steroids, and childbirth may be among some known reasons why these symptoms may manifest through time (Miklowitz, 2010). As these different situations continue to exist, so do the moods of the individual keep changing or elevating. Symptoms In different phases; for example the manic stage, an individual may experience some symptoms that warrant psychological attention. These include; easy distraction, poor judgment when it comes to relevant issues, little need for sleep, reckless behavior and at times lack of self-control. This often leads to drug use and carefree sex with multiple partners. Irritable moods often accompany this stage as the individual may be elevated and tends to talk a lot. There might also be cases where there is false belief when it comes to the ability of the affected individual, and those around him/her (Marneros & Goodwin, 2005). The depressive stage involves episodes where the individual is constantly sad or in a low mood, they may have eating disorders, that is; may eat too much or too little, hence; gaining or losing weight. Individuals also tend to sleep too much and may experience fatigue or energy loss most of the time. The feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem are often associated with individuals in this stage. It is in this stage that suicidal thoughts and tendencies creep in, leaving the individual feeling guilty and an emotional wreck. Individuals at this stage withdraw from friends and do not seem to enjoy some of the activities that they once enjoyed or loved doing (Marneros & Goodwin, 2005). Testing Medical practitioners, with the aim of diagnosing an individual with bipolar disorder, may do some of the following in order to properly diagnose the problem. The first step may be to find out if the individual has any relatives who suffer from the disorder, or may have been diagnosed with the disorder at some point. This may work towards giving the practitioner a foundation on which their findings may be based. The second step may be to ask about recent mood changes, and how often they have occurred in a specified amount of time (Reiser & Thompson, 2005). The focus may be placed on the different stages that the individual may have gone through before getting to where he/she might be. Performing exams to determine if an individual is suffering from any disease that resembles this disorder may be the next step. Other illnesses are known to cause such symptoms, and it is up to the practitioner to determine this lest they misdiagnose a patient. Finally, the behavior and attitude of an individual is monitored to properly evaluate the causes of the mood changes. Talking to family members may also assist in monitoring the condition of the individual in question (Yatham & Kusumakar, 2011). This is because they understand whoever they are dealing with better. Treatment Medicines used in treating of bipolar disorder are known as mood stabilizers. They play an integral part in assisting an individual avoid mood changes or swings. Antipsychotics or antidepressants may also be an alternative for such mood changes (Reiser & Thompson, 2005). The side effects of the medicines might prompt individuals to stop treatment altogether. This is dangerous as the symptoms may come back, or become much worse than they initially were. Family and friends of people with such conditions are advised to assist them in taking their medication throughout the specified time. There are circumstances where medication does not seem to work, therefore; medical practitioners advice on the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Support programs are also an exceptional way of helping people recover from bipolar disorder (Yatham & Kusumakar, 2011). In conclusion, people suffering from bipolar disorder may not even know they are suffering from it. Through testing and treatment, many people may benefit from the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, whether one is directly or indirectly affected. It is not society’s place to judge or stigmatize people in such situations. Young people are a susceptible group when it comes to such a disorder as they are the most vulnerable group when it comes to drug and substance abuse (Yatham & Maj, 2011). Therapy may be one way in which this disorder can be dealt with among this susceptible group, and any other individuals that may happen to have symptoms of this disorder. References Marneros, A., & Goodwin, F. (2005). Bipolar disorders: Mixed states, rapid cycling and atypical forms. London: Macmillan Publishers. Miklowitz, D. J. (2010). Bipolar disorder, second edition: A family-focused treatment approach. London: Sage Publishers. Reiser, R. P., & Thompson, L. W. (2005). Bipolar disorder. New York: Cambridge University Press. Yatham, L. N., & Kusumakar, V. (2011). Bipolar disorder: A clinician’s guide to treatment management. New York: American University Press. Yatham, L. N., & Maj, M. (2011). Bipolar disorder: Clinical and neurobiological foundations. New York: Hart Publishing. Read More