Bipolar Disorder Research Paper

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable highs and lows. Bipolar disorder was first accurately described by Jean-Pierre Farlett as foile circulaire (circular insanity) and by Julles Baillarger as foile à double forme (double form insanity) in 1984 (Marneros and Angst, pg 8-9). In 1952, bipolar disorder was officially added to the DSM, referred to as manic depression. There are three different levels of bipolar disorder Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia. Each level of bipolar disorder has different characterizing traits. In recognizing that there are three distinct types of Bipolar Disorder, it is important to know the differences between them.

Bipolar I is considered the most severe form of bipolar. It is characterized by extreme manic episodes and followed by depressive episodes. A manic episode lasts at least a week. A person may experience a very high mood, increase in energy, less need for sleep, racing thoughts, rapid speech, feelings of grandiosity, become easily distracted, do too much at once, or engage in
Though all three types are similar in symptoms, knowing the severity of the consequences that each one has can help an individual seek the right treatment. Without the right treatment, a person with bipolar disorder may not be able to live a full and meaningful life. Treatments are starting to emphasize family focused therapy along with medication, rather than leaving people do deal with their bipolar on their own like we have in the past (Marcovitz, pg 21). Researchers have started investigating the different needs for people in different ethnic communities. This research may help treatments become more effective since each culture has difference responses to mental illnesses (Meisel, pg 132). While there has been a lot of growth in mental illness research since the 1970's, there is still much left to be