The Behavior of Bipolar Depression - Term Paper Example

The Behavior of Bipolar Depression Introduction Bipolar disorder is also referred to as manic-depressive illness. It is a disorder of the brain that leads to unusual shifts in energy, the ability to carry out chores, activity level and moods (Havens & Ghaemi, 2005). The symptoms exhibited by bipolar disorder are severe in nature and can lead to suicide, poor school and job performance as well as damaged relationships. This disorder can however be treated and individuals with the condition can be able to live full and productive lives. Bipolar disorder frequently arises in an individual’s late teenage or early adult years. Not less than half of all cases begin even before the age of 25. Other individuals experience their first symptoms during childhood, while there are others who may develop symptoms later on in life. This disorder is hard to spot in the beginning stages since the symptoms may look like separate problems (Angst & Marneros, 2001). Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition that ought to be dealt with in the right manner during an individual’s life. The objective of this paper is to identify what bipolar disorder is and the signs and symptoms associated with it and also to show the rationale behind early detection and intervention. Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder Persons with bipolar disorder go through phases known as mood episodes. These are unusually acute emotional states that take place in separate periods. An excessively hopeless or sad state is known as a depressive episode whereas an extremely overexcited or joyful state is known as a manic episode (Furukawa, 2010). There are times when a mood episode is inclusive of the symptoms of both depression and mania. Such a time is known as a mixed state. During such a state, the frequently experienced symptoms include major changes in appetite, agitation, suicidal thinking and trouble sleeping. Individuals in a mixed state might feel really hopeless or sad while at the same time feeling extremely energized. Persons with bipolar disorder might also be irritable and explosive throughout a mood episode. Extreme alterations in behavior, sleep, activity and energy go hand in hand with the mood changes. It is possible for an individual with bipolar disorder to go through a long lasting episode of unstable moods instead of separate phases of mania or depression. An individual might be experiencing a bipolar disorder episode if he/she exhibits a number of depressive or manic symptoms for most parts of the day, almost daily, for at least one or two weeks. The symptoms may at times be a hindrance to a person’s normal functioning at home, school or work if they are very severe (Angst & Marneros, 2001). There are times when an individual going through severe phases of depression or mania also has psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. These psychotic symptoms have a tendency of reflecting the individuals extreme mood whether it is a depressive or manic one. Persons with bipolar disorder having psychotic symptoms are as a result wrongly diagnosed at times. They may be thought to have schizophrenia, which is another severe mental illness associated with delusions and hallucinations. Individuals with this disorder may also have behavioral problems like perform poorly at work or in school; have relationship problems, and abuse alcohol or substances. It is difficult to at first identify these problems as being signs of a major mental illness (Ketter, 2010). Effects of bipolar disorder on an individual This disorder usually lasts an entire lifetime with episodes of depression and mania generally recurring over time. However, in between episodes many individuals with bipolar disorder do not have any symptoms but some may experience lingering symptoms (Sedler, 1983). Doctors normally diagnose mental illnesses using guidelines from DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). There are four basic kinds of bipolar disorder. The first one is known as Bipolar I Disorder which is primarily characterized by manic or mixed episodes which last at least 7 days or by severe manic symptoms that require immediate hospital attention. The individual also usually experiences depressive episodes that last at least two weeks. These symptoms of depression or mania must have a huge different from the normal behavior of the person. The second one is Bipolar II Disorder which is characterized by a series of depressive episodes taking turns with hypomanic (less severe manic) episodes but not fully blown manic or mixed periods. The third one is Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS) which is diagnosed when an individual’s symptoms do not meet the diagnostic standards for bipolar I or II. The person may either have too few symptoms or may not last long enough but are however out the range of the individual’s normal behavior. The fourth one, Cyclothymia or Cyclothymic Disorder, is a mild form of bipolar disorder where individuals who experience it have hypomania episodes that take turns with mild depression for two years at least. The symptoms however do not meet the diagnostic criteria for any other form of bipolar disorder. Some individuals may be diagnosed with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder which is when an individual experiences four or more episodes of mixed symptoms, hypomania, mania or major depression within one year. It often may be be more common in individuals who get their first episode at a younger age and seems to be more common in individuals with severe bipolar disorder.it affects more women as compared to men (Angst & Marneros, 2001). Bipolar disorder has a tendency of getting worse if not treated. As time goes by an individual may experience episodes that are more severe and more often than when the illness first appeared. Any delays in acquiring the correct and necessary diagnosis and treatment make an individual more prone to going through social, personal and work-related problems. Suitable diagnosis and treatment assists persons with bipolar disorder to lead long, productive and healthy lives. In a majority of cases, treatment can aid in reducing the frequency and severity of the episodes (Furukawa, 2010). Conclusion and Recommendation There are frequently substantial delays before there can be diagnosis of bipolar disorder and effective steps carried out for treatment. There has been growing evidence to the clear necessity for the improved identification and intervention of bipolar disorder at an early stage. Since the best intervention is that which happens in the early stages before the symptoms get worse, identification of the earliest signs of an episode is fundamental to successful living with bipolar disorder. For prevention purposes, it is fundamental that individuals learn their pattern of symptom development. Gathering information of times of the year, definite causes of stresses and even feedback from other individuals might assist in the identification of an emerging episode. This will in turn call for immediate aggressive intervention to prevent further problems. There are also a number of self-assessments that can be used to monitor ones moods and help structure the individual’s self-awareness. This will also be effective in preventing a relapse in the various episodes. Reference Angst, J. & Marneros, A. (2001). "Bipolarity from ancient to modern times: Conception, birth and rebirth". Journal of affective disorders 67 (1–3): 3–19. Furukawa, T. A. (2010). "Assessment of mood: Guides for clinicians". Journal of Psychosomatic Research 68 (6): 581–589. Havens, L. L. & Ghaemi, S. N. (2005). "Existential despair and bipolar disorder: The therapeutic alliance as a mood stabilizer". American journal of psychotherapy 59 (2): 137–147. Ketter, T. A. (2010). "Diagnostic Features, Prevalence, and Impact of Bipolar Disorder". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 71 (6): e14. Sedler, M. J. (1983). "Falrets discovery: The origin of the concept of bipolar affective illness. Translated by M. J. Sedler and Eric C. Dessain". The American journal of psychiatry 140 (9): 1127–1133. Read More