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Bipolar Disorder

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Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder

Abstract
When many hear the words Bipolar disorder, they immediately think someone is borderline psycho. Known originally as manic depression, Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that creates mood swings that affect an individual’s behavior and emotions, which can result in a lot of pain. This disorder has two types: Type I and Type II with both having manic and depressive phases in each. These phases are episodes that have symptoms from one extreme high being mania or an extreme low being depressed. As with any other disorder, there are always threats and risks if one goes undiagnosed or gets misdiagnosed. The biggest risk of having Bipolar disorder is committing suicide. Treatments are accessible for individuals with this disorder, as well as various support groups. Eating healthier, sleeping better, and exercising also are ways to help stabilize the mood swings of an individual diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. While many have learned to cope with the Bipolar disorder, there are plenty more who need assistance to help improve their life, overcome the thoughts of suicide, and learn to manage the mood swings they experience so often.

Bipolar Disorder is a very common medical condition in our society today. About 6 million people are affected nationwide. While most are diagnosed as an adult, it is not uncommon to see children with Bipolar disorder. “A recent study shows that children with even one bipolar parent are 13 times as likely to develop the disease” (Egan, 2008). The causes of Bipolar Disorder are unclear, but the signs, symptoms, and treatments are accessible in helping individuals overcome and learn to cope with this disorder. Also known as manic depression, Bipolar disorder is a medical condition in which an individual’s emotions change so sporadically, it impairs them to function properly in certain situations. According to the American Psychological Association,



References: American Pshychological Association. (2007). Retrieved March 9, 2013, from http://www.apa.org/topics/bipolar/index.aspx Egan, J. (2008, September 12). The Bipolar Puzzle. The New York Times Magazine. Retrieved March9, 2013, from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/magazine/14bipolar-t.html?pagewanted=all&-r=0 Fleener, P. (2006). Bipolar Disorder Today. Retrieved March 11, 2013, from http://www.mental-health-today.com/bp/art.htm Hypomania and Mania in Bipolar Disorder. (2012). Retrieved March 9, 2013, from http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/hypomania-mania-symptoms PubMed Health. (2012). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved March 8, 2013, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001924/ Science Daily. (2007). Retrieved March10, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/mind_brain/bipolar_disorder/ Smith, M. & Segal, J. (2012). Bipolar Disorder Signs & Symptoms. Retrieved March 9, 2013, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.

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