Bipolar Disorder: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Bipolar Disorder Essay
Bipolar disorder, also commonly referred to as manic–depressive illness, is a brain disorder that
causes unusual and heightened swings in a person's mood, energy level, and ability to function.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severe and therefore, they are quite different from the
normal shifts in mood that everyone goes through on a daily basis. The effects of bipolar disorder
can result in broken relationships, poor performance at work or school, self–mutilation, and even
suicide. However, in most instances, bipolar disorder can be treated and people with this illness can
lead normal and productive lives with the help of medication and therapy. Bipolar disorder is a
manic–depressive psychiatric disorder that causes extreme...show more content...
Multiple episodes may occur within one week or day. Rapid cycling tends to occur later in the
course of the illness and is most common in women. Rapid cycling bipolar disorder occurs in up
to 20 percent of bipolar I and II patients and it is very hard to differentiate from mixed states
(Martin, 2006, p. 305). Bipolar disorder affects approximately 3 million American adults each year.
Although there are many suffering from the disorder, doctors are still uncertain as to what causes
bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can be found in men and women equally. In most cases, it begins
between ages 15 – 25 but it is usually initially misdiagnosed in younger patients. The precise cause is
still unknown, but due to the fact that, "two–thirds of bipolar patients have a family history of
affective or emotional disorders, researchers have searched for a genetic link to the disorder"
(Ford–Martin & Olde, 2005, p.229). Studies have discovered numerous potential genetic connections
to the tendency for bipolar disorder. Another possible biological cause under investigation is the
existence of an extreme calcium build–up in the cells of bipolar patients. Also, dopamine and other
neurochemical transmitters are being investigated, as they seem to be connected to bipolar disorder
(Basile, 2005, p.167). The symptoms of bipolar disorder are numerous and vary depending on the
individual, as well as the specific type of the disorder. The generalized
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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
...show more content...
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...show more content...
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
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.

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 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
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 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.

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 include
lithium, 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 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 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 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

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
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).

Bipolar Disorder: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

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Bipolar Disorder: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments