Effects of Bipolar Disorder - Coursework Example

Effects of Bipolar Disorder Effects of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is also referred to as manic-depressive infirmity. This is a state where an individual experiences intense mood sways with at least single agitated incident, during the period of mood disorder; there are several indications that occur (Goodwin & Sachs, 2010). These include, increased self-esteem, extra voluble than normal, reduced need for sleep, distractibility, psychomotor disturbance and extreme participation in pleasing actions with high probability for painful effects. Patients with bipolar disorder frequently experience episodes of depression distinguished by fourteen days of low moods or lack of concern with several daily indications. Among the symptoms include, sleeping difficulties, major weight change and lack of appetite, exhaustion or loss of liveliness, improper guilt, difficulties in focusing and persistent feelings of death or tried suicide (Maj, 2002). The mood swings patterns that take place in individuals with the bipolar disorder do differ. Some people undergo incidents of despair following every agitated occurrence of wellness in-between. Others have persevering incidents that fail to meet the measure for an event that is complete but can impede with their performance considerably. For some, combined events are experienced in between mood conditions. Some individuals experience a small number of incidents in their life span while others undergo a number every year. Instability or mood change is ordinary. Nevertheless, bipolar patients, suffer from mood sways for no obvious reason. Mood swings degree is greatly bigger than observed in usual daily mood changeability, normally enduring for weeks at a time, disparate to a few hours (Kiesbye, 2010). Mood sways in the bipolar disorder frequently result to grave anguish or destruction in societal, imperative or professional execution regions. Who is affected by bipolar disorder? This disorder transpires in all societies. Nevertheless, it can be communicated as well as experienced diversely in various cultures. Both female and males are at risk of being involved in the bipolar disease. In males, the first incident is probably manic occurrences whilst in women dejected experiences are regularly the first events. Bipolar can be detected anytime from teenage years and following fifty years (Plunkett, 2011). The standard age of commencement is twenty. Individuals suffering from the disorder regularly experience essence misuse or nervousness. Effects of Bipolar on someone’s life Bipolar disorder has major impact on the being of an individual. It can impede with interpersonal associations, employment, family life and societal life. The disorder also affects the person’s family greatly. Living with someone suffering from the disorder is not easy. The family members require knowing how to manage distractions generated by the signs, offering support to the patient during their healing and discovering ways to survive with the impacts on the family. The disorder has a possibility of positioning a weighty tension on families (Goodwin & Sachs, 2010). Families can be influenced in different ways as per the nature of the person’s illness as well as its management. When the mood sways are serene, the family may undergo grief forms but eventually with enlightening on psychological illness, they can survive with the illness’s difficulties. When the bipolar disorder is not managed correctly with medical cure, the family might undergo emotional suffering like anguish, blame and worry, distraction in usual schedules, dealing with weird or irresponsible conducts (Kiesbye, 2010). Financial pressures because of limited revenues or spending sprees, tensed marital or family associations, adjustments in family tasks, health problems resulting from pressure and trouble in sustaining relationships outside the relations. Families dealing with difficult emotions The members of family undergo different emotions during the time of learning how to accept that the bipolar disorder affects one of them. There is no mistaken or right manner to feel. The most imperative thing is knowing how to manage the sentiments. It is normal for the family to be guilty thinking they had a hand in causing the person to ail. Young children specifically have a tendency of convincing themselves more on causing their parents’ illness. That is why it is essential for people to comprehend that bipolar is a medical sickness and thus nobody can cause another to develop it (Maj, 2002). Similarly, to other diseases, members of family have a likelihood of experiencing grief and sadness of which is a natural effect. The feeling of loosing someone they identified is always haunting them nonetheless, mental sickness like the case of bipolar disorder does not necessarily imply that the person will be unsuccessful or have an unhappy life. It only signifies that the person and the family members have a new obstacle they have to face in their days. With appropriate illness supervision and cure, there are chances. Families worry about their beloved one since a manic episode can make someone behave in reckless manner or make unwise decisions. To help improve this concern they should establish a plan on how they will handle the intricate times. Instituting an emergency plan assists to guarantee that everybody is conscious of what to anticipate incase the episode relapses. There is terror in children that they might take over the disorder (Goodwin & Sachs, 2010). Older offspring may be frightened of the responsibilities that come with taking care of their ill younger siblings and at the same time cope with their personal lives. Families need to know how to handle apprehension and lead satisfying lives doable. Routines or chores may be interrupted because of demoralizing or frenzied episodes. Usual activities may necessitate to be put aside and participated later once the episode collapses. It is significant to re institute a practice quickly as possible in order to lessen anxiety on the members of family. There is a possibility of family chores being affected. Spouses may no longer require their partner to execute their domestic share and errands while children might be compelled to be accountable of adult tasks once their parent is unwell. Economic troubles, unvarying anxiety, relations and home abandonment and fright of indications recurring may challenge family and marital associations (Kiesbye, 2010). Signs such as poor ruling and petulance may cause augmented arguments and altercations. Societal network begin to reduce in families. Both extended family and associates have a discomfited reaction on the way to assist or say to comfort the family. It is imperative to look for the accommodating people in the family set-up because they are helpful sources of assistance. Joining assisting groups is an additional way of shrinking the thoughts of loneliness encountered by relatives (Goodwin & Sachs, 2010). It is accounted that families attending support groups frequently manage illnesses much better than if they were not. Recovery and wellness Bipolar is a mental disorder that has phases of wellness in amid occurrences. Families are alleviated when indications calm down but it is momentous to support the ailing person and encourage in their cure and observe for symptoms of probable reversions. Early intercession regularly deflects an advanced reversion. With the current treatments, the affected have substantial hope. Families assisting mentally unwell people are extra vulnerable to troubles linked to health (Goodwin & Sachs, 2010). It is precedence for the ones supporting bipolar patients to be concerned of them first. Test and Diagnosis Once doctors suppose somebody has the disorder of bipolar, they carry out various analysis and examinations. These assessments assist to identify any further problems, find a diagnosis as well as confirm any problems linked to the illness. These comprise of physical assessments whereby it engages height and weight evaluating, scrutinizing for crucial indications like blood pressure, tempo of the heart and temperature, observe the lungs and the heart as well as monitoring the abdomen. Second are the laboratory examinations such as urine and blood analysis. They assist in discovering bodily problems that may be triggering the indications. Third test is the mental assessment where doctors converse with the patients about their beliefs, conduct patterns as well as emotions (Maj, 2002). A mental self-assessment questioner is essential too in the evaluation. With authorization from the ailing person, family members are inquired to present information on the indications and probable mania or melancholy incidents. Lastly is the disposition charting where the health practitioner asks the patients to maintain their every day accounts of sleep routines, tempers or additional aspects of assistance to the analysis and ruling right cure. Diagnostic criteria for bipolar For individuals to be identified with bipolar, they ought to meet the criterion implied in the (DSM) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This manual is published by American Psychiatric Association and is employed by psychological health provider to detect cerebral states and by indemnity corporations to compensate for management (Peacock, 2000). Analytical criterions for bipolar illness are founded on the precise bipolar illness nature. There are different types of bipolar disorder. The first one is the bipolar one disorder. Individuals experience one joined or agitated incident. There may be no main demoralized event since bipolar one differs from one person to another, are supplementary precise sub groupings of analysis founded on exact indications and signs. The second type is bipolar two disorder. Here, the individual experiences indications that leads to agony and intricacy in a number of areas of their live like work or affiliations. It also has sub groupings founded on exact indications and signs (Goodwin & Sachs, 2010). Lastly there is the Cyclothymic disorder whereby people have several hypo manic occurrences and despair phases but with no experience of full agitated incidents, a main depressive event or mixed experiences. For this cyclothymic diagnosis, signs proceed for at least two or more years. Throughout the period, signs disappear for less than two months. Indications result to major suffering or intricacy in daily associations. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder has precise criterion for hypo manic, agitated, chief demoralizing and mixed occurrences. Criteria for manic episode A manic incident is a different phase of unusually and indefatigably eminent, extensive or touchy disposition that endures about a week. Throughout the stage of troubled mood, numerous indications are present. Examples of these signs include lessened require for sleep (Maj, 2002). Exaggerated self-worth or ostentation, extraordinary talkativeness, disruptions, competing thoughts, improved behaviors that are goal-directed and employing in things that have painful results. Causes The real causes of bipolar disorder are still questionable as the medical practitioners have not yet understood it. However, several factors have been established to indicate the trigger and the cause of bipolar episodes. The first factor involves biological differences. It has been noted that individuals with the disorder would often appear to have different physical changes in their brains (Goodwin & Sachs, 2010). These changes are seen to be eminent in the individuals but its significance has not been established. If this would have been initiated, the causes of ten disorders would have been eventually been determined. The second factor involves the interferences of the neurotransmitters. These are chemicals emitted by the brain. There would be an imbalance in these chemicals in the brain of the patients. This might be the correct explanation of mood disorders and the increase of bipolar attacks. The disorder also influences the hormones to have imbalance and the attack might be triggered easily. There are also instances when it is said that the disorder has traces of inherited traits. The disorder is most likely to take place to individuals seen to have the same blood type with their close relatives such parents and siblings, who might have the disorder (Maj, 2002). This statement has made different research institutions to look for the genetic explanation of the disorder. The final factor involves the environment. It is explained that issues such as abuse, stress, loss of loved ones and traumatic events play a big role in triggering bipolar disorder. Treatment and Drugs The treatment that is usually diagnosed for bipolar disorder is usually a lifelong treatment even after it has been established that the patient is feeling better. This treatment must be initiated under the observation of a medical practitioner qualified in the field. The treatment team that handles the case might consist of social workers, psychologists and psychiatric nurses. The treatment offered to bipolar patients has different parts namely medication, family or group psychological counseling, individual therapy and support group which might be educational. The treatment takes place in hospitals (Kiesbye, 2010). Hospitalization takes place when it is noticed that the patient is behaving dangerously, detached from reality or being psychotic and contemplating suicide. There can be initialization of an initial treatment if it was done before. The patient must be given medication in order to balance the moods. After the symptoms have been controlled, the doctor would have to look for a long time remedy for the situation. In the stage of continuing treatment, the doctor will diagnose a maintenance treatment, which is used to control the patient in a long term basis (Plunkett, 2011). Individuals who skip the maintenance treatment are likely to have a relapse of the mood changes, which might be the same symptoms or mild. These mild conditions eventually turn to be a problem or serious depression case. There are occasion when the patient might be treated for substance abuse such as drugs and alcohol; the doctor must put the patient under the treatment related to substance abuse. Otherwise, the condition might not be treated easily. Medication Treatment of bipolar is characterized with different forms of medications. This is because majority of the patients do not react positively to some treatments and different diagnosis can be proposed. The doctor is also justified to combine different medications in order to attain the maximum effect (Goodwin & Sachs, 2010). Medications that are administered to bipolar patients are characterized by preventing extreme highs and highs which might be experienced during a bipolar attack. Apart from mood stabilizers, the medication consists of drugs which help in anxiety or depression. Medications associated with bipolar disorder might come with different components and functions. The first component includes Lithium, which is normally used in the stabilizing of moods. It is also essential for preventing highs and lows that are extreme in different categories. This is normally used for many years, as it would always be preferable. It is also occasioned by periodic tests, as the use of lithium is associated with kidney problems and thyroid. The side effects for this treatment include dry mouth, restlessness and digestive problems. The second treatment is referred to as Anticonvulsants (Maj, 2002). It is a mood stabilizing medication which consists of Valproic acid that consists of Depakene and Stavzor. The treatment also consists of divalproex consisting of Depakote and lamottrigine consisting of lamictal. In this treatment, they use asenaapine consisting of Saphris and are used in treatment of different attacks. The side effects related to these medications vary. However, there are conditions that are common during the use of the medication. They include drowsiness, dizziness and weight gain. Others that take place rarely include blood disorder, skin rashes and liver problems. There are also other treatments administered to the patients and are associated with different side effects. Medication using antipsychotics helps people who might have problems with the anticonvulsants. The side effects related to the medication include sleepiness, weight gains, tremors, rapid heartbeat and blurred vision. The patients might be given antidepressants which is associated with the type of conditions and symptoms one is facing. It is always used with mood stabilizers since it triggers manic episodes (Maj, 2002). The side effects associated with the medication is reduced feelings towards intercourse. Finding the Right Medication The doctors usually go through different types of medications before they can get the best treatment. The doctors sometimes take months before the right medication can be administered. At the same time, the doctors are required to have one single medication at a time before another one can be taken. The symptoms and side effects might change from time to time and the patient is required to adjust. The experiences and symptoms are expected to change after the right medication has been implemented (Plunkett, 2011). Incase the patient is pregnant; the medication will be administered differently. The reason is associated with the fact that the medications can cause side effects during births. It is for this reason that doctors always give the best birth controls in order to avoid pregnancies. The birth control should be compatible with bipolar medications. The best medication that is administered to all the patients is psychotherapy. The cognitive behavioral therapy is done to individuals personally (Goodwin & Sachs, 2010). This would help the doctor in understanding the issues, which trigger bipolar episodes. Psycho education is used by doctors in making individuals understand more on the disorder. Doctors also use family therapy whereby the people connected to the patient escort them during therapies. This helps the patients and the family copes with the situation. References Evans, D. L., & Andrews, L. W. (2005). If your adolescent has depression or bipolar disorder: An essential resource for parents. New York, N.Y: Oxford University Press. Goodwin, G., & Sachs, G. (2010). Bipolar Disorder. Abingdon: HEALTH Press. Kiesbye, S. (2010). Bipolar disorder. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press/Gale Cengage Learning. Maj, M. (2002). Bipolar disorder. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons. Mondimore, F. M. (2006). Bipolar disorder: A guide for patients and families. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Peacock, J. (2000). Bipolar disorder. Minnetonka, MN: Life Matters. Plunkett, J. M. (2011). Bipolar disorder: Causes, diagnosis and treatment. New York: Nova Science Publishers Quinn, B. (2007). Bipolar disorder. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons. Read More