Bipolar Disorder as Sudden and Unnatural Changes in Mood - Essay Example

Bipolar Disorder The term bipolar disorder is used to refer to a psychological condition that is characterized by sudden and unnatural changes in mood, level of activity as well as one’s ability to perform various routine tasks. Bipolar disorder is a widespread psychological condition and its severity as well as prevalence is increasing at a very fast pace. Individuals belonging to different age groups as well as gender groups can experience this disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental health, a total of 2.6% of the individuals living in United States and belonging to the age category of adults experience bipolar disorder in a particular year and out of these 2.6%, 82.9% of these individuals are suffering from severe bipolar disorder (Nimh.nih.gov, 2014). Body Bipolar disorder can be caused due to several factors and scientists have failed to agree on one specific cause of bipolar disorder. This disorder may be caused by one single factor or due to interaction of different factors. Researchers have linked incidences of bipolar disorder to genetics and they believe that family history may be causing the occurrence of this disorder. Craddock conducted a study to identify the role played by genetics in the incidences of bipolar disorder and the researcher identified that the risk of an individual experiencing this diseases is 40 to 70% higher if his/her first-degree relatives including parents as well as siblings had experienced this disorder (Craddock, 1999). The researcher says that there is enough evidence providing insight regarding the role played by genes in the incidences of bipolar disorder, but it is quite difficult to identify specific genes that should be held responsible. Another cause of bipolar disorder identified by scientists is the structure as well as the functioning of an individual’s brain. Tools that are available for the purpose of brain imaging have helped in identifying the difference between the functionality and structure of brain of people suffering from this disorder and the brains of people who are suffering from other disorders as well as people who are not suffering any psychological disorders. According to Taylor, there is a difference between the adult’s prefrontal cortex who are suffering from this disorder and people who are not suffering from this disorder (Taylor, 2006). The researcher states that people suffering from this disorder have a smaller prefrontal cortex and the functionality of their brain is slower as compared to healthy individuals. Individuals suffering from bipolar disorder tend to experience changes in emotional conditions and these changes are quite extreme in nature and unnatural. The changes in mood experienced by an individual suffering from this disorder are recognized as mood episodes. When individuals suffering from bipolar disorder are in an extremely joyful mood they are said to be experiencing manic episode while when they are extremely sad they are said to be in a depressive state of mood (Taylor, 2006). In certain cases individuals may experience two different states of mood at the same time, they might be overly joyous and suddenly they might experience severe depressive state and this state of mood is regarded as the mixed state (Craddock, 1999). When individuals are experiencing these states of mood their behavior even changes and seems to be quite unreal. When in joyous mood, they might be behaving in a hyper manner while talking in a fast manner and talking about different ideas at the same instant and that may be due to changes in thoughts occurring at that very particular time. At this point in time they may experience lack of sleep or they may feel that they are not tired enough to sleep. They may even exhibit behavior such as believing in their own abilities and these believes may seem unreal. On the other hand, if they experience a depressive mood state they may occur quite low and their speed of behavior and activity might be slowed down. They may even indulge in unhealthy behavior such as thinking as well as trying to commit suicide. Bipolar disorder can be treated through several methods but the treatment is prolonged in nature and should be continued even after the symptoms of bipolar disorder are eradicated. Several medications can be used to treat different symptoms of bipolar disorder. One of the symptoms of bipolar disorder is sudden changes in mood and due to this first preference is given to medicines that are recognized as mood stabilizers (Taylor, 2006). One such drug that can be helpful in managing the mood swings of a patient suffering from bipolar disorder is lithium which is used for treating both the joyful as well as depressive states of mood. Treatment methods and medicines should be prescribed and consumed according to the situation of the patient. Psychotherapy or counseling can even be used to treat bipolar disorder (Taylor, 2006). These therapies include the cognitive behavioral therapy which can be assistive in changing the different harmful and suicidal thoughts that are experienced by a patient of bipolar disorder. Counselors can even use family therapy that can be helpful in identifying the occurrence of a manic or depressive event and families can help in lowering these episodes. Summary Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder categorized as a disorder in which patients experience unexpected changes in mood and activity levels. Key causes of bipolar disorder include genetic influences as structure & functionality of the brain. Individual’s whose parents or direct relatives such as siblings who are experiencing this disorder or have previously experienced this disorder are at a higher risk of developing this disorder. Individuals with bipolar disorder have been found to have a smaller prefrontal cortex as compared to their healthy counter parts. Individuals suffering from this disorder experienced manic, depressive or mixed mood episodes. Mixed mood episode is categorized as mood swings which are both manic and depressive in nature. Bipolar disorder can be treated with medicines such as lithium which is used to stabilize mood swings and with psychotherapy procedures such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapies. References Craddock, N. & Jones, I. (1999). Genetics of bipolar disorder. Journal Of Medical Genetics, 36 (8), pp. 585--594. Nimh.nih.gov. (2014). NIMH · Statistics · Bipolar Disorder Among Adults. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1bipolar_adult.shtml [Accessed: 14 Apr 2014]. Taylor, E. H. (2006). Atlas of bipolar disorders. London: Taylor & Francis Read More