Bipolar Disorder Essay: Understanding the Causes and Symptoms

Bipolar Disorder Essay
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a type of manic depression classified by those affected having extreme polar opposite emotions. Those who suffer from bipolar
disorder, go from extreme highs (mania) to very lows, (depression). Because this illness deals with such drastic changes in behavior, it is essential that
those who suffer take medical action in treatment of their disorder, unlike other depressions that may be treated with therapy only.
Medical treatment with the use of drugs is so important when treating those who suffer from bipolar disorder, because its causes can be predicted to
begin at the neuron level. One of these treatments, as discussed throughout this paper, is Lithium in its common for,...show more content...
Although lithium as been used for thirty or more years, research on lithium as a treatment for bipolar patients brings more questions than answers. One
approach researchers have taken to better understand this unclear process is to examine the causes in general of bipolar disorder. Theories range from
focusing on genetic factors, to environmental factors, to the way biochemistry imbalances shape a person's mood.
Bipolar disorder is a manic–depressive illness, and is the most recognizable and dramatic of the depressive disorders.
People with bipolar disorder are different from those who suffer from other depressive disorders, because of the swing from the extreme lows, the
depressive state, to the extreme highs, the manic state. The theories that provide the most insight into the causes of bipolar disorder from a biological
perspective are the theories the focus on the biochemistry of the disorder because the research involved in these theories suggest that neurotransmitters,
chemicals that allow information to be passed from cell to cell, become imbalanced at various phases of the disorder. (American Psychiatric
Association, 1992.) Some of this research suggests that lithium impacts the re–uptake of the messages held in the various chemicals that transmit
information from cell to cell. (MedicineNet, 2005).
Get more content on HelpWriting.net

In life we all go through experiences that cause our moods to change for better or for worse. There are times that we experience degrees of great
joy and happiness just as other times we experience great sadness and despair. These polar emotional opposites can be brought about by a
cornucopia of circumstances such as the joy and excitement of getting married or the birth of a child to the deep sadness and grief over the loss of a
loved one or one's employment. Feelings of joy and feelings of sadness are normal parts of human life. Some however are unfortunate enough to be
force to cope with these emotions to the extreme and on a regular basis. Some individuals must further cope with an ever present emotion rollercoaster,
switching...show more content...
During this time a person may be overly happy or outgoing and may be extremely irritable and feel agitated. During a mania the person's behavior
may change as well; becoming easily distracted jumping from one idea to another, talk fast and/or excessively, taking on new goal oriented tasks
such as projects, suffer from insomnia, and acting on impulses of high risk activities such as gambling, shopping, or sexual gratification. There
also exists a less severe yet still debilitating version of mania known as hypomania. Hypomania is classified as elevated levels of energy and
impulsive behavior that are not as extreme as full blown mania (National Center for, 2010). Hypomanic symptoms may still last for at least four
days and is the main manifestation of bipolar II (Peacock, 2000). On the other end of the spectrum, those suffering from bipolar disorder also go
through periods known as "depressive episodes" characterized by long periods anxiety, feelings of inadequacy or emptiness, feelings of unwarranted
guilt, and helplessness. During these episodes of depression individuals with bipolar disorder may experience behavioral changes such as having issues
concentrating, problems remembering things, and difficulty in making decisions. They may also feel continually tired even when well rested, feel
restless or irritable or experience changes in eating habits. In some cases, during depressive

Bipolar Research Papers
Manic depression, also known as Bipolar Disorder is not your normal up and down mood change; it's not like what most people experience,
getting a little sad and getting over it. Instead it is extreme mood swing that "usually going from EXTREMLY happy to EXTREMLY angry" also
include emotional highs and lows such as, depression and mania. Mood changes can happen as little as a few times a year or as often as several
times a week; it depends on the person and their environment. At times, you feel very depressed and other times very relate. Bipolar disorder usually
starts between the ages of 15 to 19 and rarely starts at the age of 40. When depressed or in a low mood you feel like you 're not happy all the time
might even think that it's not...show more content...
And episodes are noticeably stronger, especially when depressed. For people who have bipolar and are feeling down many symptoms are similar to
those that are depressed and every thought is consumed in sadness; they have feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, fatigue, inability to
concentrate, abnormal weight gain or weight loss, insomnia or abnormally oversleeping and they may even have thoughts of suicide. When flipped to
the other side maniac displaced feelings of extreme energy, restlessness and irritability they 're overly confident themselves talking fast and erratic.
They have high energy and excess need for activity you need much less sleepy early, 3 hours would be more than enough. They have no self–control
and spend money recklessly and they 're easily irritated when things don 't go their way. People with bipolar will display different abnormal mood
changes on various intervals, for example they could be depressed for 3 to 4 months and return to their normal selves for a few months and maniac
for a couple of months and then back to their normal self again. It 's not necessarily that the occurrence of both moods will take place one after the
other it could be depressed normal depressed again normal again and then manic or manic first and then depressed after that. Bipolar disorder can
affect anyone of any gender, age or profession, but it is most commonly found in 16 to

Bipolar disorder Essay
Bipolar Disorder What Causes Bipolar Disorder? There is no single cause for bipolar disorder. Indeed, like all psychological disorders, bipolar
disorder is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including: Genetic: Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, so researchers believe
there is a genetic predisposition for the disorder. Scientists also are exploring the presence of abnormalities on specific genes. Biological: Researchers
believe that some neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, don't function properly in individuals with bipolar disorder. Environmental:
Outside factors, such as stress or a major life event, may trigger a genetic predisposition or potential biological reaction. For instance, if...show more
content...
This distinction dates back only to the 1960s, and is largely responsible for the modern emphasis on bipolarity, and hence on mood elevation, as the
defining feature of the disorder. The terms 'manic–depressive illness' and 'bipolar disorder' are comparatively recent, and date back from the 1950s
and 1980s respectively. The term 'bipolar disorder' (or 'bipolar affective disorder') is thought to be less stigmatizing than the older term
'manic–depressive illness', and so the former has largely superseded the latter. However, some psychiatrists and some people with bipolar disorder still
prefer the term 'manic–depressive illness' because they feel that it reflects thenature of the disorder more accurately. Facts andMyth: People with
bipolar disorder can't get better or lead a normal life. Fact: Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and
satisfying relationships. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging, but with treatment, healthy coping skills, and a solid support system, you can live
fully while managing your symptoms. Myth: People with bipolar disorder swing back and forth between mania and depression. Fact: Some people
alternate between extreme episodes of mania and depression, but most are depressed more often than they are manic. Mania may also be so mild that
it goes unrecognized. People with bipolar disorder can also go for long stretches without symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder, also known as a manic depressive illness, is classified as a brain disorder; that causes unusual shifts in the mood, energy, activity
levels, and the ability to carry–out day to day tasks. The majority of bipolar individuals experience alternating episodes of mania such as an elevated
or euphoric mood or irritable state (US Department of Health 1) (Thackey 127). Bipolar Disorder falls under the category of a mood disorder, 3%
of the general population suffers from bipolar disorder. A mood disorder interferes in everyday life with a person for an extended time. The moods
that the diagnosis experience do not go away on their own and cannot be shaken off. The illness affects more than just mood, however it also impacts
...show more content...
Having a bipolar disorder can affect the individuals' relationship with others due to their conditions. Dealing with a person with a bipolar disorder can
be intolerable. Many people in the manic phase spend ridiculous sums of money, which can deplete bank accounts and cause problems with families
of the individual. Also, they exhibit wild behaviors like partying and sexual tensions that lead to causing breakups in relationships both dating and
marriage. In a depressive phase, the relationship of a individual with bipolar disorder causes others to constantly be relied on by the bipolar person;
they are having suicide thoughts or attempting suicide (Abramovitz 62–76). The first case study that illustrates bipolar disorder is, The Case Study of
Susie: Bipolar I Disorder. Susie is a 20–year–old sophomore at a small Midwestern college. For the past five days she has gone without any sleep
whatsoever and she has spent this time in a heightened state of activity which she herself describes as "out of control." Susie has experienced two
previous episodes of wild and bizarre behavior similar to what she is experiencing now; both alternated with periods of intense depression. When she
was in the depressed state, she could not bring herself to attend classes or any campus activities; she suffered from insomnia, poor appetite,

Bipolar Disorder
The severe mood fluctuations of bipolar or manic–depressive disorders have been around since the 16–century and affect little more than 2% of the
population in both sexes, all races, and all parts of the world (Harmon 3). Researchers think that the cause is genetic, but it is still unknown. The one
fact of which we are painfully aware of is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational
success. Because the symptoms of bipolar disorder are so debilitation, it is crucial that we search for possible treatments and cures.
The characteristics of bipolar disorder are significant shifts in mood that go from manic episodes to deep depressive episodes in a up...show more
content...
Elation is probably the most obvious component, and it is often misplaced and without any real reason for being in this mood. Manic episodes bring
with them extreme self–confidence and energy to meet people and engage in all sorts of activities and adventures. It is not uncommon to be unable to
understand what a person in a manic state is saying because they are talking loud and fast, and can jump from one subject to the next without any
provocation or knowing why. Irritability and lack of attention span are also trademarks of this state. In its most extreme, mania can also bring about
violence and rage from the individual. During this period the sufferer often enrolls themselves in many activities or responsibilities that they cannot
fulfill after the mania subsides, lending to further problems even after the episode has subsided (Encyclopedia Britannica, 23:847).
The depressive state is the darker side of this disorder. There are two types of the depressive state, the agitated state and the retarded state. In the
agitated state one may have sustained tension, over–activity, despair and possibly have apprehensive delusions. For the retarded state the stage
becomes darker still as their activity is slowed and can almost become catatonic. The patient is dejected and sad, and beats himself down with
self–degrading talk. Suicide is most likely to happen in the depressive side of bipolar disorder and the patient must be closely watched for suicidal
tendencies.

Bipolar Disorder Speech
Bipolar Disorder
By day I'm cheerful, I'm happy in bliss
At night I cry and think to cut my wrist
I can't sleep and all I can do is wait
I'm trying to remain strong and not to break
I'm ok though for there is nothing wrong
I just need to talk to my friend on the phone
We'll go out for drinks EVERYTHING on me!
I love to splurge, especially when I'm happy
But later on tonight when everyone is asleep
I'll be up in constant sorrow, until morning I will weep
My friends think it's the alcohol, so they give me water
But what they fail to realize is I have Bipolar Disorder

Essay on Bipolar Disorder
Abstract
Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness in which a person's mood alternates between extreme mania and depression. Bipolar disorder is also called
manic–depressive illness. In a related disorder called cyclothymic disorder (sometimes called Bipolar III), a person's mood alternates between mild
depression and mild mania. Some people with cyclothymic disorder later develop full–blown bipolar disorder. Rates of bipolar disorder are similar
throughout the world. At least fifteen percent of people with bipolar disorder commit suicide. Bipolar disorder is much less common than depression.
Many people with bipolar disorder function normally between episodes. Medications known as "mood stabilizers" are usually prescribed by
psychiatrists to...show more content...
Critics of this research note that many creative people do not suffer from bipolar disorder, and that most people with bipolar disorder are not
especially creative (E).
SYMPTOMS
Bipolar disorder usually begins in a person's late teens or twenties. Men usually experience mania as the first mood episode, whereas women
typically experience depression first (E). Episodes of mania and depression usually last from several weeks to several months. On average, people
with untreated bipolar disorder experience four episodes of mania or depression over any ten–year period. Many people with bipolar disorder function
normally between episodes. In rapid–cycling bipolar disorder, however, which represents five to fifteen percent of all cases, a person experiences
four or more mood episodes within a year and may have little or no normal functioning in between episodes (H). In rare cases, swings between mania
and depression can occur over a period of days or hours. The term ultra–rapid cycling may be applied to those who cycle through episodes within a
month or less. If this pattern is demonstrated within a twenty–four hour period, the person's diagnosis could possibly be phrased ultra–ultra–rapid
cycling or ultradian.

Bipolar Disorder
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this paper is to discuss bipolar disorders in adolescents. This paper will include a discussion on what bipolar disorders are. There will
be a presentation of the causes and symptoms of bipolar disorders. There will be a discussion of the medical as well as the therapeutic interventions
and this paper will also include the importance of treatment.
WHAT ARE BIPOLAR DISORDERS?
Bipolar disorder is a disease that affects one in every five Americans. Bipolar disorders often called Manic Depression, involve the appearance of two
extreme emotional states. Adolescents that suffer from bipolar disorders alternate between manic and depressive episodes. Bipolar disorders are not
Among pairs of fraternal twins, who have about half their genes in common, both twins have bipolar disorder in less than fifteen percent cases in
which one twin has the disorder. Waltz (2000), states that the degree of genetic influence comes from studies of adopted children with bipolar
disorder. These studies show that biological relatives have a higher incidence of bipolar disorder than do people in the general population. Personal
or work related stress can trigger a manic episode, but this usually occurs in people with a genetic vulnerability (Burns, 1999). Other factors such as
childhood experiences and social conditions seem to have relatively little influence in causing bipolar disorder. One study examined a pair of twins
in which only one member of the pair had bipolar disorder. The study found that regardless of whether the parent had bipolar disorder or not, the
twins had the same high ten percent rate of bipolar disorder. This observation suggests that risk for bipolar illness comes from genetic influence, not
from exposure to a parent's bipolar illness or from family problems caused by that illness.
Brain Differences
According to Waltz (2000), a deletion on chromosome 22 is probably at least part of the problem, likely leading to structural differences in the
developing brain. The brain is the most complex and least understood organ in the body. It is the focal point of

Essay on Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder The aspect of bipolar disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century. It was rumored that Vincent Van Gough suffered from
bipolar disorder. There is a large group of people suffering from this disorder, however there are no causes or cures for it. Bipolar disorder impairs one's
ability to obtain and sustain social and occupational success. The journey for even a cause will continue for many years to come. Affective disorders
are characterized by a depressed mood, an elevated mood or an alternation of depressed and elevated moods. The basic term for the manic–depressive
illness is Bipolar disorder. There are milder and heavier forms of each. A patient can be placed in two different categories
The common symptoms for a manic depressive episode consist of elated, expansive, irritable or hyperactive mood. Their speech becomes hard to
understand, they have ideas racing through their head, they have incredibly high self esteem, they rarely feel tired and they are often involved in
activities that could possibly harm them. "Rarest symptoms were periods of loss of all interest and retardation or agitation" (Weisman, 1991). As
the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (MDMDA) has demonstrated, bipolar disorder can participate in developmental
delays, marital and family problems, loss of jobs and an inability to keep a steady income. Many bipolar patients report that the depressions are
longer and come more frequent when the individual gets older. Schizophrenia has commonly been diagnosed to patients suffering from bipolar and
can be misdiagnosed for most of their lives. The speech patterns help doctors to see a difference between the two disorders."The first signs or
symptoms of Bipolar disorder usually occur between the ages of 20 and 30 years of age, and then are seen again in women in their 40's. A typical
bipolar patient will most likely experience eight to ten episodes in their lifetime. However, there are those who have rapid cycling and can experience
more episodes of mania and

Bipolar Disorder
It is generally understood that everyone has good and bad days. A phrase people are familiar with is "everyone has their ups and downs". Most
people, to a certain extent, are able to control their moods, whether it is good or bad. However, people who suffer from bipolar disorder sometimes
are unable to control their moods. People with bipolar disorder experience sudden and, at times, severe mood swings, shifting from manic to depressive
moods. Bipolar disorder is not gender bias; both men and women are equally susceptible to it (3). About 1% of adults and children suffer from bipolar
disorder, but this figure is probably not accurate because bipolar disorder is difficult to detect and is often misdiagnosed. The...show more content...
Bipolar I disorder is used to classify sufferers who experience at least one mania or mixed episode each episode, and may or may not suffer from
depression. Bipolar II disorder is used to classify sufferers who experience at least one depressive episode and at least on hypo mania (less severe
than mania) episode. Those classified with bipolar II disorder do not experience a full manic episode or mixed episode. There are also different
subtypes of bipolar disorder, depending on the frequency of the episodes. A person suffers from rapid cycling when he/she experiences four or more
episodes per year. Ultra rapid cycling is similar to rapid cycling except the episodes occur more often, experiencing four or more episodes per week.
Sometimes the occurrence of episodes may be predictable, or exhibit some sort of pattern. One of the patterns observed is the seasonal pattern.
Observations show that the season, often spring or summer, affect the onset of episodes (1).
The cause of bipolar disorder is not completely known. Researches agree that there is a genetic component linked to the disorder. Studies show that
first–degree relatives of people affected with bipolar disorder are about seven times more likely to develop bipolar disorder (4). Twin studies show if
one identical twin has bipolar disorder, the second one has a 70% chance of developing the disorder within his/her lifetime. Despite the observations

Essay on bipolar disorder
Bipolar Disorder also known as Manic Depressive Illness involves outstanding mood swings. The individual has periods of depression, and periods
when they feel either unusually good or pressured and irritable. It affects 1–2% of the population. Genetics plays a significant role. About 15% of
children with one bipolar parent develop the disorder.
Treatments include medication, supportive psychotherapy and occasionally ECT. Medications includelithium, anticonvulsant drugs (carbamazepine
(Tegretol), valproate (Depakote), gabapentin (Neurontin) and lamotrigine Lamictal), antidepressants (such as bupropion (Wellbutrin)or sertraline
(Zoloft)), neuroleptics (e.g. haloperidol) and benzodiazepines (e.g. lorazepam) Treatment choices depend on the...show more content...
It is most often used when medication doesn't work or is unsafe.
Lithium is a top choice for acute mania and for maintenance in 'classic' bipolar disorder. Because of its narrow therapeutic range, blood levels must be
monitored; also heart and kidney function (EKG, blood and urine tests). Medications such as diuretics, that block its excretion require caution.
Anticonvulsants have an edge with rapid–cycling and mixed mood states (e.g. depression with racing thoughts). Except for gabapentin (Neurontin)
and lamotrigine (Lamictal), they require blood tests. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is monitored with blood levels; also CBC, platelets and liver function
tests. Valproate (Depakote) requires CBC, platelet count and liver function tests; blood levels may be helpful. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) requires caution
because of its association with a rare but dangerous skin rash (exfoliative dermatitis); risk can be minimized by starting with low doses and increasing
gradually. Use lower doses with medications that slow lamotrigine metabolism (e.g. valproate). Gabapentin is generally safe and does not require blood
tests.
It is not unusual for patients to need more than one mood stabilizing medication for best results.
Because bipolar disorders are generally recurrent, maintenance treatment is usually needed. This is especially true when there have been multiple
episodes, a clear family history of bipolar disorder or symptom onset before age 18. Effective maintenance

Bipolar Vs Schizophrenia
There are similarities in between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Both disorders are similar in many ways. One of the main similarities is that
they are severe mental disorders and incurable [1]. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder cause uncommon change in the capacity to fulfill daily tasks
[1]. Both disorders are similar in most of their symptoms such as disordered speech, hallucinations, and delusions [2]. These similar symptoms make it
difficult to determine whether a person is a bipolar or a schizophrenic [2]. Another similarity is that they both share the same factors that cause these
disorders [1]. The main cause of bipolar disorder is the genetic factor, similarly to schizophrenia [1]. A person who has an infected family member has

Bipolar Disorder Essay: Understanding the Causes and Symptoms

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to Bipolar Disorder Essay: Understanding the Causes and Symptoms

Similar to Bipolar Disorder Essay: Understanding the Causes and Symptoms (9)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Bipolar Disorder Essay: Understanding the Causes and Symptoms