Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition in which patients exhibit episodes of highly abnormal mood swings which make them either very happy or completely depressed. The term bipolar also indicates presence of two types of problems i.e. mania and depression. For this reason bipolar is also called manic depressive disorder. According to the definitions found in DSM III and IV suggest that for a person to qualify as manic depressive, he must exhibit manic episodes for at least one week. (Torrey, p.xvi) the mood swings can be very abrupt and patients may swing from a high to extreme lows in minutes. The maniac phases are normally characterized by agitation, less sleep, elevated sense of self-esteem and hyperactivity. It is mostly believed to have genetic causes but some environmental factors can also cause bipolar in some patients. Even those with genetic tendency to develop bipolar may not always exhibit full blown case of this disorder because in most patients, some factors can trigger the onset of this condition. These triggers can include stress, trauma, personality and upbringing.
Men are found to be slightly less susceptible to the development of bipolar compared to women but this difference is minute and women were also significantly older at the first onset of depression symptoms. (Maj, p. 360)
While bipolar can be treated with psychiatric intervention, when the disorder lasts, it can have a debilitating effect on a person's social life. Available treatments can control the symptoms and can alter brain chemistry in patients to make them less susceptible to the debilitating effects of this disorder. For those who suffer from this disorder, daily life can be a challenge as they struggle with their relationships, their jobs and every aspect of their everyday life. Fortunately research has led to many treatments, psychiatric interventions and therapies which have had significant success in some patients.
REFERENCES
Mario Maj (Editor), Hagop S. Akiskal (Editor), Prof. Juan Jose Lopez-Ibor (Editor), Bipolar Disorders. Wiley; 1st edition (May 15, 2002)
Lana R. Castle, Bipolar Disorder Demystified: Mastering the Tightrope of Manic Depression. Da Capo Press (January 2003)
E. Fuller Torrey M.D. Surviving Manic Depression: A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for Patients, Families, and Providers. Basic Books (March 1, 2005)
Castle, p. 103
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Bipolar disorder has been studied for more than a decade after remaining undiagnosed in children and adolescents for many years. Much literature such as that by Pavuluri, Birmaher, and Naylor (2005b), and Kowatch and Debello (2006) is available on diagnostic issues pertaining to paediatric bipolar disorder. In addition, many cases studies have also been published on the topic such as those by DuVaI (2005) and Hamrin and Bailey
Bipolar Disorder generally sets in during adolescence or early adulthood though it may also occur late in one's life or during childhood. It results in terrible mood swings ranging from mania and euphoria to depression and suicidal tendencies. The earlier a person is diagnosed with bipolar disorder the better. Medication is available for bipolar disorder, which helps control the mood swings and even treats the condition. Diagnosis of bipolar disorders
In other words, the nurse needs to become the patient's mentor and confidant all at the same time. This requires excellent communication skills and listening skills on the part of the nurse. Applicable Psychological Theory: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) The Cognitive Behavioral model is an amalgamation of three major psychology disciplines: behavior therapy, cognitive therapy and social psychology (Cooper & Lesser, 2008). There are a series of steps that need to be
In stark contrast, in the adult population of individuals with bipolar disorder, females outnumber males slightly (Egan 2008, p.11).These discrepancies indicate a profile of a more 'difficult child' rather than the specific disease-related pattern of manic depression. The malleable nature of childhood reality presents another difficulty in diagnosis. While a dissociation from reality is one of the manifestations of bipolarity in adults, "it's normal for children to pretend that
Bipolar Disorder: Abnormalities in Brain Structures and Functions A person experiencing bipolar disorder will feel alternately euphoric and severely depressed of they can have a mixture of those emotional states. This condition is known to e a disease, much like any other chronic medical condition, which can be mediated by a medication regimen, but not cured. It is also known that there are elements of the disease which relate to certain structures
Bipolar disorder, which is also sometimes known as manic depression, is a serious psychiatric illness experienced by approximately 1% to 15% of the population at large (Mannu et al., 2011). The disorder is characterized by severe and unusual shifts in activity, mood, energy, and ability to perform everyday tasks (National Institute of Mental Health, 2012). Generally, the disorder is experienced as a depressive phase 70% of the time, and an
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