Characteristics of Bipolar Disorder - Essay Example

Bipolar Disorder Introduction: Bipolar disorder is often regarded as a hereditary disease, which transfers from parents to children and other blood relations including grandchildren and nephews. There exists a strong misconception about the disease that since it is a hereditary disease, and there exists no other reason behind this disorder, so it cannot be cured completely; rather, the duration of fits could be controlled and mitigated. A comprehensive, in-depth and all inclusive research is highly recommended to explore the reasons behind the disease, so that it could be handled in an apposite manner and an adequate treatment procedure could be applied for the cure of the patients suffering from bipolar disorder. The present paper aims to explore the causes, symptoms, co-existing illnesses and treatment methodology of bipolar disorder, so that the myths and misconceptions about this psychiatric disease could be removed on the foundations of facts and reality. Bipolar disorder refers to the psychiatric problem that causes fits of extreme depression, gloominess or even happiness, which seriously affect the mood and disposition of the individuals suffering from this disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by the occurrence of one or more manic or mixed episode often accompanied by depressive episodes. (American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) Hence, it is a psychiatric disease that causes sadness, frustration, and aggravation as well as temporary contentment and pleasure. The duration of the fits of bipolar disorder vary from person to person, and the state of depression or extreme pleasure and contentment may last from few moments to many days even. Though bipolar disease is quite different from epilepsy, yet its fits can take place time and again, like epilepsy, with long or short intervals. Causes: The researches have presented the following three major reasons behind the occurrence of bipolar disorder in individuals, which include: i. Neuro-chemical Factors: Studies reveal the very truth that receiving of brain signals in two main brain regions in excess disturbs the brain function and brings fits of sadness or even happiness called bipolar disorder. The researches opine that imbalance of substance in brain gives birth to this order. A specific level of a neurotransmitter is not as important as its amount in relation to the other neurotransmitters; consequently, it causes bipolar disorder. (Durand & Barlow, 2000) ii. Hereditary: Bipolar disorder is aptly regarded as a hereditary disease by both the specialists and laymen, which transfers from parents, grand-parents, real uncles and aunts to the children and grandchildren. Bipolar disorder may be a familial disease that transfers to the next generation through genes. Over fifty percent of the individuals suffering from this disease have at least one family member undergoing the same problem. (Bressert, 2009) In addition, twin siblings often share the disorder provided if one of them is undergoing it. The theorists do not see eye to eye with this notion, and declare bipolar disorder as the outcome of disturbance in brain function, which could also be the outcome of transfer of the same disorder from parents to children. Children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are four to six times more likely to develop the illness, compared with children who do not have a family history of bipolar disorder. (Nurnberger, 2000) iii. Environmental Factors: Several of the diseases are the product of environment under which man is living and interacting with other members of society. It sometimes happens that attitudes and behaviors of the people create such an atmosphere that man becomes addicted to chemicals, drugs and narcotics, which create fits of anger or joy in him, and he gradually becomes habitual of drug and chemical consumption, unavailability of which causes mental disorder. Hence, environment also paves the way towards bipolar disorder. Symptoms: Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person in nature, intensity and temperament. Some of the individuals suffering from this disorder observe extreme kind of tension and mania; while some of the patients experience mild or slight disturbance called hypomania. In addition, attitude and behavior of the people undergoing the disorder also turns uncertain, unexpected and irritating one, which is beyond the control of the sufferer. Moreover, like intensity of disturbance, duration of disorder also varies on the basis of the condition of the patient. The slight nature of the disease keeps the patient in isolated state, while severity of bipolar disorder forces man long for death, and even to commit suicide under utter disappointment and despair. Long duration of the disease also causes severity in individuals, and treatment process becomes difficult and time taking. In addition, levels of hunger and sleep also witness decrease, and man’s diet reduces to a great extent with the passage of time. It also causes physical and mental weaknesses along with fatigue, exhaustion and disappointed. Co-existing Illness: The theorists are of the view that since bipolar disorder brings immediate changes in the mood of the sufferers; they seek support of drugs and chemicals in order to sooth themselves from depression and anger. Substance abuse is very common among people with bipolar disorder, but the reasons for this link are unclear. (nimh.nih.gov) In addition, Fits of anger, schizophrenia, neurotic disturbances and mental retardations include the co-existing illnesses, which develop in the patients suffering from bipolar disorder. Treatment and Cure: Theorists view bipolar disorder as a serious psychiatric problem that needs long term treatment, therapies and care for complete cure. Being a chronic and sometimes hereditary disease, the treatment continues even if the patient appears to be feeling recovered. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes and stay symptom-free. The doctors and physicians recommend the medicines that could relax the brain and nerves on the one hand, and keep blood pressure level moderate and controlled. Medication is the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment. It brings mania and depression under control and helps prevent relapse once patient’s mood has stabilized. (Retrieved from helpguide.org) The therapists suggest regular psychotherapy and counseling as an essential part of treatment process. In addition, the patients require complete attention and care from family members. Since family is the basic unit of society, man’s every need is fulfilled with the help of family, the moral and emotional support from the parents, siblings and children plays decisive role in the complete cure of the patient undergoing bipolar disorder. Furthermore, counselor’s role is also decisive one during the treatment, and is highly supportive in respect of complete cure of the patient. Moreover, healthcare centers and therapeutic clinics should be facilitated to scientifically treat the patients on regular basis. The assumptions and findings regarding bipolar disorder must be examined and analyzed properly, so that the superstitions and false perceptions regarding the reasons behind the disorder could be negated altogether in order to cure the patients from the mania. Conclusion: To conclude, it becomes evident that there is an immediate need of research conducting for discovering the actual causes behind bipolar disorder in order to make the treatment process adequate, swift and speedy. The data related to the patients suffering from this mania could be collected and generalize for the better explanations of reasons and symptoms of the disease, on the basis of which proper treatment strategy could be suggested. REFERENCES: Bressert, Steve The Causes of Bipolar Disorder 2009 http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/the-causes-of-bipolar-disorder-manic-depression/ Durand, V. M. & Barlow, D. H Abnormal Psychology: An Introduction. Scarborough, Ontario: Wadsworth. . 2000 Nurnberger JI, Jr., Foroud T. Genetics of bipolar affective disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2000 Apr;2(2):147-157. Bipolar Disorder (Quoted in http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml) Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of manic Disorder http://helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm Read More