Bipolar Disorder Analysis Issues - Essay Example

There is little information on the exact causes of the disorder which has led to speculation. The speculation points to the possible causes as being genetic, environmental, and neurochemical (Bressert, 2015). The interaction between the three entities is believed to have a role in the advent and progression of the disorder. However, there has been the emergence of another theory that perceives the disorder as being biological. In this thinking, the disorder is said to occur in a particular part of the brain and is said to occur due to a defect of the neurotransmitters (Bressert, 2015).

There has been no establishment of the exact causes of the disorder. However, some factors have been associated with bipolar disorder (Bressert, 2015). The first factor that has been associated with the disorder is genetic. The association with genetics has occurred as the condition has been shown to occur in a family. The disorder appears to be rampant in certain families.  For example, it has been shown that individuals with an identical twin with the disorder have a higher risk of developing the condition. Such individuals are said to be eight times higher in developing the disorder than a non-identical twin (Bressert, 2015). Secondly, neurochemicals have been shown to play a crucial role in the disorder. This is because the disorder is said to mainly arise in a certain area of the brain. The disorder has been said to occur due to abnormalities of certain neurotransmitters found in the brain (Bressert, 2015).

Moreover, other factors have been associated with the development of the condition. These factors have been listed as environmental. Such factors may involve a change in health habits, or abuse of alcohol or drug (Bressert, 2015). For example, the use of alcohol is believed to lead to an increased level of a depressive state. In addition, medication has also been thought of as leading to the disorder. Taking antidepressants have been shown to trigger a manic event, especially in highly susceptible individuals (Bressert, 2015). Hence, extra caution has been recommended while administering these types of drugs.

The disorder has been listed as a burden in different parts of the world. In a recent study of the disorder, it was shown to have a prevalence rate of 4 percent (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2013). The condition is also shown to be more common in women as compared to men. The condition is also likely to start at an age of 25 years (CDC, 2013).  However, it is most likely to start early in men as compared to women. Other symptoms include being unusually distracted, restlessness, having little sleep, and also taking part in pleasurable and risky behaviors (cite).

The disease also depicts unique clinical manifestations. First, individuals with the disorder experience high-level emotions that occur in phases in what is known as “mood episodes” (National Institute of Health (NIH), 2012)). Moreover, people with the condition may tend to overreact as well as get easily irritated. Some individuals may exhibit hypomania (NIH, 2012). At this stage, individuals tend to be more active. On the other hand, an individual may have a mixed state (NIH, 2012. At this phase, individuals have mania and depression (NIH, 2012). Such individuals face challenges with sleep, and lack of appetite, and may even contemplate suicide (NIH, 2012).

There are various complications associated with bipolar disorder. Complications usually arise from a lack of treatment. Some of the complications include challenges related to drug and alcohol use as well as suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015). Hence, individual life is affected.

There are various treatment options. However, the majors are medication and psychotherapy (NIH, 2012). There is a variety of medications used in controlling the symptoms of bipolar disorder. They include mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and antidepressants (NIH, 2012). Psychotherapy is used together with medicine (NIH, 2012). The role of therapy is to offer support, education, and guidance to those with the condition and their families.

There is hope in the research and clinical management of the disorder. The hope has been due to technological advancement. Hence, scientists are engaging in new ways of improving treatment and medications for the disorder. More focus in the future will also likely be on establishing the exact cause of the disorder. This will help in knowing the most effective treatment and ways of preventing the disorder.