Bipolar Disorder Research Paper
The Effects of Bipolar Disorder on an Individual
The Effects of Bipolar Disease on an Individual
How does an individual with Bipolar disorder lead a normal and productive life? Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by cycles of depression and euphoria or mania, the symptoms of both the depressive and manic phases can be devastating for the individual who suffers Bipolar disorder. An overview of the disease itself can give a better understanding of its process and the way that affects an individual. Bipolar disorder is a mentally debilitating disease that takes a toll of an individual’s life by affecting the daily life, family and social relationships, parenting, and the ability of an …show more content…
individual to care for themselves, work, and school. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder sometimes called manic-depressive illness or manic-depression characterized by cycles of depression and euphoria or mania. Sometimes the mood switches from high to low and back again the changes are dramatic and rapid, but more often they are gradual and slow, and periods of normal mood may occur between the manic and depressive phases of the condition. The symptoms of both the depressive and manic phases may be severe and often lead to impaired functioning.
Bipolar disorder types: Bipolar I disorder involves periods of severe mood changes from manic phase into depressive phase. Bipolar II disorder is a milder form of mood elevation, involving milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with periods of severe depression. Cyclothymic disorder describes periods of hypomania with short periods of depression that are not as extensive as those seen in full depressive episodes. Mixed bipolar episodes are periods that simultaneously involve the full symptoms of both a manic and a full depressive episode. It is marked by grandiose feelings with racing thoughts. At the same time, the person is irritable, angry, moody, and feeling bad. Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder is characterized by four or more mood changing episodes in a time period of a year. The episodes last for some number of days in order to be considered clearly different episodes. Some people also experience changes in polarity from high to low or vice-versa within a single week, or even within a single day. Rapid cycling can occur at any time during the progress of illness, although some researchers believe that it is more common at a more advance stage of the illness. Women are more likely than men to have rapid cycling. A rapid cycling pattern increases risk for severe depression and suicide attempts. Antidepressants are believed to trigger and prolong rapid cycling in bipolar disorder. However, that theory does not have enough evidence and continues being study. (WEBMD) According to an article published in the March Archives of General Psychiatry more than 4 percent of Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, as compared with a worldwide average of about 2 percent, this study was conducted in a one on one interviews with 61,392 individuals selected at random from different countries.. Diagnosing Bipolar disorder can be challenging, as there are many other disorders that present similar symptoms to Bipolar disorder, there has to be a thorough physical and psychological examinations, gathering a patient 's family history is extremely important in obtaining the right diagnosis, According to Kay Redfield Jamison PhD manic depression has a very strong genetic component, she said, "it is important to take a very thorough family history of mood disorder and suicide, in addition to inquiring about mood lability, irritability, euphoria, history of euphoria, hyper-sexuality and grandiosity--in other words the classic symptoms of mania, racing of thoughts, lessening of sleep“. (Manic Depressive Disorders and Recurrent Depression Volume I) One of the most common mistake when diagnosing a bipolar illness occurs when one of the forms of mania or irritability are missed and a diagnosis of major depression is given rather than bipolar illness, as well when diagnosing a child given a diagnosis of ADHD is also a common mistake providers make. Bipolar disorder looks different in children than it does in adults. Children with bipolar disorder often have mood swings that change rapidly over hours or even minutes, while adults ' mood changes usually occur over days to weeks. While in contrast adults with bipolar disorder generally have distinct periods of depression and mania, children with bipolar disorder are more likely to have moods that are not clearly different. Children who develop the disorder at a very young age are more likely to experience irritability and frequent mood changes rather than distinct periods of mania and depression. A great number of individuals suffering with bipolar illness have the presence of other diseases and in addition have history of drug or alcohol abuse, making it very difficult for practitioners to diagnose and treat the disease. Based on the information presented above it can be said that both phases of the disease have damaging effects of an individual. Manic episodes affect thinking, judgment, and social behavior in many ways, causing serious problems and embarrassment. For example, a person can make foolish changing decisions over their financial status during the manic episode, depression also affect thinking, judgment, and social behavior in many ways. For example, it elevates the risk of suicide according to the National Mental Health Association reports 30%-70% of suicide victims have suffered a form of depression. Although females attempt suicide twice more than males, men account for almost 75% of suicides. How does Bipolar disorder affects an individual, bipolar symptoms can impact daily life, such as family, marriage, taking care of children, relationships, holding down a job, completing an education, and managing money may also be more difficult.
Bipolar in daily life According to a national online survey sponsored by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (NCCBH) and AstraZeneca (pharmaceutical company for bipolar medications), bipolar disorder affects the ability to manage housework and run errands for 73 percent and 59 percent of bipolar participants respectively.(NCCBH) According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) individuals with Bipolar disorder have more difficulty in establishing and maintaining good relationships; this increases the number of divorce in bipolar patients. A parent, who is suffering from this disorder, has a difficult time leading a normal life. As they may suffer manic episodes which can appear to the child as if the parent is having fun or being normal, follow by a depressed phase where they are not able to function, sitting silently or not even getting out to bed, this may lead to unintentionally neglecting a child, as the parent is not able to meet their needs. Thus then causing the child to be confused and hurt. It’s difficult for a parent to function as an active parent with this disorder. Parents with bipolar disorder are often irritable and unhappy with their lives, making it very easy for the slightest disagreement to enrage them leading them to then take it out on their children. Abuse occurs in all forms mental, verbal and physical this is common with a bipolar parent. Patients with bipolar disorder often have challenges communicating to others, particularly their consulting physicians, which can negatively affect the treatment of their condition, Bipolar disorder interferes with the ability of an individual to care for themselves maintain health, an increases the risk of using alcohol or drugs, or becoming engage in risky behavior that could cause them harm. Bipolar affects the way an individual relates socially, as they might be afraid of rejection and stigma. According to NCCBH nine out of 10 bipolar patients reported they had canceled social engagements due to their depressive bipolar episodes.(NCCBH) How does Bipolar affect work as we all know work can be challenging for those with bipolar disorder, the level of stress and constant demands at work can make it difficult . Managing work is not an easy task when faced with episodes of mania or depression. According to a survey conducted by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), almost nine out of every 10 people with bipolar disorder report that the illness had affected their job performance. More than half surveyed said they thought they had to change jobs or careers more often than others, and many felt they were either given less responsibility or denied for promotions. Left untreated, the disease can affect relationships and job performance. (WEBMD) Should an individual be open at work about suffering from Bipolar disorder, is a difficult decision, there is stigma surrounding mental illness, if an individual decides to disclose about suffering from Bipolar a letter from the medical provider is recommended as this will aide in educating others and provide accurate information on the disorder . With proper treatment, therapy and support networks one can learn how to manage the symptoms and find balance to their life. Bipolar effects at school as previously mentioned bipolar affect children and adolescents in a different way, they present with different behaviors at home and at school, children and adolescents react differently to the stresses of schoolwork, classroom noise, and transitions between classes and activities, some kids show more severe symptoms at school, while others show more severe symptoms at home. At school, children and adolescents with bipolar disorder may be affected by a different symptoms making it difficult to function at the same level as peers and making it difficult for teachers as well. Some of the challenges these kids face are changes in cognitive abilities, decrease alertness, decrease processing speed, and decrease concentration, impaired ability to plan, organize, concentrate, and use abstract reasoning, this affects behavior and academic performance. Increase sensitivity when feeling criticized, they easily became frustrated. They present with aggressiveness to the small provocations, as their moods affect the way they perceive and hear directions from others. Crying for no apparent reason, appearing upset, their reactions are out of proportion to actual events, medications may have cognitive effects or physically uncomfortable side effects that interfere with how they perform at school. College students may face some of the same challenges as well. In conclusion Bipolar disorder may affect children and adults in different ways, the extreme mood swings from depression, to bipolar mania can render an individual incapable of leading a normal life, family support is important and it can only be possible by the appropriate education on the disorder itself, only by understanding the ups and downs of this disease can we help those suffering from it.
There are many resources on the community for those suffering from Bipolar, although it has not cure there are many treatment options available, the good news are that a person suffering from Bipolar disorder can lead a normal life trough stabilization of their mood swings and reduction of symptoms with proper treatment.
Works Cited
"American Psychological Association (APA)." American Psychological Association (APA). N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
"Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Types - WebMD." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
"Bipolar Disorder." Web log post. WebMD. N.p., n.d. Web.
Goodwin, Frederick K., Kay R. Jamison, and S. Nassir. Ghaemi. Manic-
depressive Illness: Bipolar Disorders and Recurrent Depression. New
York, NY: Oxford UP, 2007. Print.
Marneros, A., and Frederick K. Goodwin. Bipolar Disorders: Mixed States, Rapid
Cycling, and Atypical Forms. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2005. Print.
"The National Council for Behavorial Healthcare." Behavioral Health. N.p., n.d.
Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
"Welcome." Mental Health America:. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr.
2013.
The Effects of Bipolar Disease on an Individual
How does an individual with Bipolar disorder lead a normal and productive life? Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by cycles of depression and euphoria or mania, the symptoms of both the depressive and manic phases can be devastating for the individual who suffers Bipolar disorder. An overview of the disease itself can give a better understanding of its process and the way that affects an individual. Bipolar disorder is a mentally debilitating disease that takes a toll of an individual’s life by affecting the daily life, family and social relationships, parenting, and the ability of an …show more content…
individual to care for themselves, work, and school. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder sometimes called manic-depressive illness or manic-depression characterized by cycles of depression and euphoria or mania. Sometimes the mood switches from high to low and back again the changes are dramatic and rapid, but more often they are gradual and slow, and periods of normal mood may occur between the manic and depressive phases of the condition. The symptoms of both the depressive and manic phases may be severe and often lead to impaired functioning.
Bipolar disorder types: Bipolar I disorder involves periods of severe mood changes from manic phase into depressive phase. Bipolar II disorder is a milder form of mood elevation, involving milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with periods of severe depression. Cyclothymic disorder describes periods of hypomania with short periods of depression that are not as extensive as those seen in full depressive episodes. Mixed bipolar episodes are periods that simultaneously involve the full symptoms of both a manic and a full depressive episode. It is marked by grandiose feelings with racing thoughts. At the same time, the person is irritable, angry, moody, and feeling bad. Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder is characterized by four or more mood changing episodes in a time period of a year. The episodes last for some number of days in order to be considered clearly different episodes. Some people also experience changes in polarity from high to low or vice-versa within a single week, or even within a single day. Rapid cycling can occur at any time during the progress of illness, although some researchers believe that it is more common at a more advance stage of the illness. Women are more likely than men to have rapid cycling. A rapid cycling pattern increases risk for severe depression and suicide attempts. Antidepressants are believed to trigger and prolong rapid cycling in bipolar disorder. However, that theory does not have enough evidence and continues being study. (WEBMD) According to an article published in the March Archives of General Psychiatry more than 4 percent of Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, as compared with a worldwide average of about 2 percent, this study was conducted in a one on one interviews with 61,392 individuals selected at random from different countries.. Diagnosing Bipolar disorder can be challenging, as there are many other disorders that present similar symptoms to Bipolar disorder, there has to be a thorough physical and psychological examinations, gathering a patient 's family history is extremely important in obtaining the right diagnosis, According to Kay Redfield Jamison PhD manic depression has a very strong genetic component, she said, "it is important to take a very thorough family history of mood disorder and suicide, in addition to inquiring about mood lability, irritability, euphoria, history of euphoria, hyper-sexuality and grandiosity--in other words the classic symptoms of mania, racing of thoughts, lessening of sleep“. (Manic Depressive Disorders and Recurrent Depression Volume I) One of the most common mistake when diagnosing a bipolar illness occurs when one of the forms of mania or irritability are missed and a diagnosis of major depression is given rather than bipolar illness, as well when diagnosing a child given a diagnosis of ADHD is also a common mistake providers make. Bipolar disorder looks different in children than it does in adults. Children with bipolar disorder often have mood swings that change rapidly over hours or even minutes, while adults ' mood changes usually occur over days to weeks. While in contrast adults with bipolar disorder generally have distinct periods of depression and mania, children with bipolar disorder are more likely to have moods that are not clearly different. Children who develop the disorder at a very young age are more likely to experience irritability and frequent mood changes rather than distinct periods of mania and depression. A great number of individuals suffering with bipolar illness have the presence of other diseases and in addition have history of drug or alcohol abuse, making it very difficult for practitioners to diagnose and treat the disease. Based on the information presented above it can be said that both phases of the disease have damaging effects of an individual. Manic episodes affect thinking, judgment, and social behavior in many ways, causing serious problems and embarrassment. For example, a person can make foolish changing decisions over their financial status during the manic episode, depression also affect thinking, judgment, and social behavior in many ways. For example, it elevates the risk of suicide according to the National Mental Health Association reports 30%-70% of suicide victims have suffered a form of depression. Although females attempt suicide twice more than males, men account for almost 75% of suicides. How does Bipolar disorder affects an individual, bipolar symptoms can impact daily life, such as family, marriage, taking care of children, relationships, holding down a job, completing an education, and managing money may also be more difficult.
Bipolar in daily life According to a national online survey sponsored by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (NCCBH) and AstraZeneca (pharmaceutical company for bipolar medications), bipolar disorder affects the ability to manage housework and run errands for 73 percent and 59 percent of bipolar participants respectively.(NCCBH) According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) individuals with Bipolar disorder have more difficulty in establishing and maintaining good relationships; this increases the number of divorce in bipolar patients. A parent, who is suffering from this disorder, has a difficult time leading a normal life. As they may suffer manic episodes which can appear to the child as if the parent is having fun or being normal, follow by a depressed phase where they are not able to function, sitting silently or not even getting out to bed, this may lead to unintentionally neglecting a child, as the parent is not able to meet their needs. Thus then causing the child to be confused and hurt. It’s difficult for a parent to function as an active parent with this disorder. Parents with bipolar disorder are often irritable and unhappy with their lives, making it very easy for the slightest disagreement to enrage them leading them to then take it out on their children. Abuse occurs in all forms mental, verbal and physical this is common with a bipolar parent. Patients with bipolar disorder often have challenges communicating to others, particularly their consulting physicians, which can negatively affect the treatment of their condition, Bipolar disorder interferes with the ability of an individual to care for themselves maintain health, an increases the risk of using alcohol or drugs, or becoming engage in risky behavior that could cause them harm. Bipolar affects the way an individual relates socially, as they might be afraid of rejection and stigma. According to NCCBH nine out of 10 bipolar patients reported they had canceled social engagements due to their depressive bipolar episodes.(NCCBH) How does Bipolar affect work as we all know work can be challenging for those with bipolar disorder, the level of stress and constant demands at work can make it difficult . Managing work is not an easy task when faced with episodes of mania or depression. According to a survey conducted by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), almost nine out of every 10 people with bipolar disorder report that the illness had affected their job performance. More than half surveyed said they thought they had to change jobs or careers more often than others, and many felt they were either given less responsibility or denied for promotions. Left untreated, the disease can affect relationships and job performance. (WEBMD) Should an individual be open at work about suffering from Bipolar disorder, is a difficult decision, there is stigma surrounding mental illness, if an individual decides to disclose about suffering from Bipolar a letter from the medical provider is recommended as this will aide in educating others and provide accurate information on the disorder . With proper treatment, therapy and support networks one can learn how to manage the symptoms and find balance to their life. Bipolar effects at school as previously mentioned bipolar affect children and adolescents in a different way, they present with different behaviors at home and at school, children and adolescents react differently to the stresses of schoolwork, classroom noise, and transitions between classes and activities, some kids show more severe symptoms at school, while others show more severe symptoms at home. At school, children and adolescents with bipolar disorder may be affected by a different symptoms making it difficult to function at the same level as peers and making it difficult for teachers as well. Some of the challenges these kids face are changes in cognitive abilities, decrease alertness, decrease processing speed, and decrease concentration, impaired ability to plan, organize, concentrate, and use abstract reasoning, this affects behavior and academic performance. Increase sensitivity when feeling criticized, they easily became frustrated. They present with aggressiveness to the small provocations, as their moods affect the way they perceive and hear directions from others. Crying for no apparent reason, appearing upset, their reactions are out of proportion to actual events, medications may have cognitive effects or physically uncomfortable side effects that interfere with how they perform at school. College students may face some of the same challenges as well. In conclusion Bipolar disorder may affect children and adults in different ways, the extreme mood swings from depression, to bipolar mania can render an individual incapable of leading a normal life, family support is important and it can only be possible by the appropriate education on the disorder itself, only by understanding the ups and downs of this disease can we help those suffering from it.
There are many resources on the community for those suffering from Bipolar, although it has not cure there are many treatment options available, the good news are that a person suffering from Bipolar disorder can lead a normal life trough stabilization of their mood swings and reduction of symptoms with proper treatment.
Works Cited
"American Psychological Association (APA)." American Psychological Association (APA). N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
"Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Types - WebMD." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
"Bipolar Disorder." Web log post. WebMD. N.p., n.d. Web.
Goodwin, Frederick K., Kay R. Jamison, and S. Nassir. Ghaemi. Manic-
depressive Illness: Bipolar Disorders and Recurrent Depression. New
York, NY: Oxford UP, 2007. Print.
Marneros, A., and Frederick K. Goodwin. Bipolar Disorders: Mixed States, Rapid
Cycling, and Atypical Forms. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2005. Print.
"The National Council for Behavorial Healthcare." Behavioral Health. N.p., n.d.
Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
"Welcome." Mental Health America:. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr.
2013.