Rough Draft of Bipolar Disorder - Essay Example

Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that presently has no cure and must be managed throughout a person’s life. Fortunately, however, it can be treated, and “people with this illness can lead full and productive lives” (NIMH: Bipolar, 2006, par. 1)
How does bipolar disorder develop? The onset of bipolar disorder can be gradual but it usually appears suddenly, emerging in adolescence or even childhood, “often between the ages of 15-24, with 90% of cases diagnosed by the age of 30” (Ballas, 2005). Research is presently underway by NIMH (Child, 2006) to better understand the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder in youths.

Is Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a form of bipolar disorder or is it a different illness? ADHD manifests some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, which makes it difficult to know at an early age whether a child has bipolar disorder or just ADHD. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD may worsen manic symptoms, and antidepressant medication may induce manic symptoms. Since ADHD does not show manic symptoms as a rule, it is important to follow up with a physician if these symptoms occur. It should be noted that the manic symptoms in young people might not show euphoria but instead can be disruptive (NIMH: Child, 2006).

Are there specific symptoms that indicate a bipolar illness? The symptoms of bipolar disorder go beyond manic and depressive behavior. There are degrees of symptoms such as severe depression, mild to moderate depression, normal mood, hypomania, and severe mania. A person in a severely depressed state may sleep more than usual, refuse to get out of bed, have crying bouts, become unable to make simple decisions, feel hopeless for a sustained period, and wish to die. Mild depression can be defined as “having the blues,” while moderate depression is more long-lasting. Hypomania is a less extreme form of mania and could include complete self-confidence, the ability to focus and to be creative or innovative, and to feel “on top of the world” without going over the top. Severe mania makes a person feel invincible, exhibit extravagant behavior, experience hallucinations or delusions, and feel filled with energy and the need to expound at length (Purse, 2006). Yet another type of bipolar disorder is called rapid-cycling when a person has four or more episodes within 12 months (NIMH: Bipolar, 2006).

Can the illness be cured and, if not, how is it treated? The medications used in the treatment of bipolar disorder do not always have a positive effect, and NIMH notes that a small percentage of people experience chronic unremitting symptoms despite treatment (NIMH: Bipolar, 2006). At present, because there is no cure, the long-term treatment of choice for bipolar disorder is a mood stabilizer, such as lithium. This is often very effective, but for difficult-to-treat bipolar episodes, adding anticonvulsant medications such as valproate (Depacote®) can have mood-stabilizing effects.

New anticonvulsant medications are being studied to determine how effective they might be as an alternative to non-productive medications. Anticonvulsant medications can be taken in combination with lithium. Adolescent girls and women with bipolar disorder face special challenges because of the possible harmful effects of some mood-stabilizing drugs regarding hormone changes. Research studies are continuing to evaluate the potential mood-stabilizing effects of newer medications for those who do not respond to lithium or anticonvulsants (NIMH: Bipolar, 2006).

In major depression and schizophrenia, psychotherapeutic interventions along with medicine can help in treatment, but, according to Huxley et al (2000), they seldom have been studied in bipolar disorder. One major drawback to the medications presently given is that they might have unpleasant side effects, such as reduced sexual drive, anxiety, or dry mouth (NIMH: Bipolar, 2006), and, if so, a person might stop taking them to feel in control of their actions again. Psychosocial interventions are presently being studied as recommended by Huxley, and those commonly used at present are cognitive behavior therapy as a way to change negative behavior, psychoeducation to teach people with bipolar disorder and their families how to cope, family therapy to reduce the level of stress within the family, and a newer technique called “interpersonal and social rhythm therapy” intended to establish a daily routine and sleep schedule (NIMH: Bipolar, 2006).

What can friends or family members do to cope? Bipolar disorder is such an extreme illness, it is difficult for family members to cope with behavior that appears to be entirely out of control. The family also feels helpless when a family member is suffering from severe depression with suicide a realistic possibility. Many people who have bipolar disorder also have drug and alcohol problems, and depressants in themselves.

Is there a treatment beyond medication? Possible treatments beyond medication, according to Francis Mark Mondicore (1999; 2006), are electroconvulsive therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy. Case studies presented in his book make it clear what must be faced, what can be done, and how families can deal with this relentless disorder, one that Mondicore calls the “chameleon of psychiatric disorders” (p. 1). Papers such as this one will help the public understand this illness better. Read More