Bipolar Disorder Essay

oer the years there let been many a(prenominal) misc one timeptions near what bipolar ail is, what the symptoms be, and how it is treated. bipolar disorder, also k right clear upn as insane illness, is a brain disorder that causes preposterous shifts in peevishness, energy, activity levels, and the ability to harbor out day-to-day tasks. A person who has supposition swings does non automatically set apart them for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The characteristics of bipolar disorder be signifi masst shifts in humour that go from frantic episodes to tardily depressive episodes in waves and valleys that never end. Nearly 2% of Americans have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, more(prenominal) unremarkably known as frantic depression. Scientists be constantly studying the possible causes of bipolar disorder. Most scientists agree that there is non one single cause, but is ca employ by a combination of biological and environmental factors.Even though it has not been proven that bipolar disorder is hereditary, it does tend to prey in families. Children with a p arent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are much more probably to resurrect the illness, compared with children who do not have a family history. bipolar patients are more likely to use mind altering drugs to guess and self-medicate therefore making diagnosis a harder process. Doctors diagnose bipolar disorder exploitation guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of affable affections (DSM-IV). To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the symptoms must be a major change from your universal mood or behavior (Youngstrom, E., 2012, October 23). beneath is a chart demonstrating the different mood changes and behavioral changes amongst a manic and depressive episode.It was once thought that there were altogether devil attributes of bipolar disorder, but now the disease has been broken down counterbalance further into several different disorders. bipolar I di sorder is the close to concentrated form of the illness withextreme manic or mixed episodes that last at least a week. Bipolar I disorder is characterized by at least one manic episode during your lifetime. unremarkably there are depressive episodes as strong that last two weeks, however you do not need to have a history of depression to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. Bipolar II disorder is defined by experiencing both a hypo-manic and a depressive episode. To meet the criteria for bipolar II, a previous episode of depression is necessary, on with symptoms of less intense mania relentless at least four years (Caponigro, J., Lee, E., Johnson, S., & Kring, A., 2012). cyclothymia is defined by a pattern of chronic and frequent mood changes. These mood changes are not as extreme as those experienced in manic episodes. The diagnosis is based off of how much of the time some type of changed move is present.Most people diagnosed with Cyclothymia tend to feel very up or very down at least half of the time. This diagnosis is not considered until those mood fluctuations have continued for a very long time broadly one year for adolescents and over two years for adults. These episodes must last for at least two years without more than two months of a stable mood during that time to qualify for this diagnosis. Bipolar NOS or not otherwise specified is the diagnosis that covers forms of bipolar that dont buy the farm into any of the other categories. The mood episodes are extreme enough to be classified as manic, hypomanic, or depressive but do not meet the duration requirements for bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymic diagnosis. Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, but it can be treated potently long-term. Because it is a lifelong illness, long-term manipulation is of the essence(p) to control symptoms. It is essential to receive the pay off diagnosis to receive the most stiff discourse. Medication is the most effective treatment for managing symptom s of bipolar disorder and extending periods of mental and corporeal wellness.Most often, the first medicines used are called mood stabilisers. Since the early 1960s, lithium has been the most commonly used mood stabilizer (Fink, C., & Kraynak, J., 2013). Some other medications that are incontrovertible for the treatment of bipolar are Trileptal, Topamax, and Neurontin. Because it is believed by some that bipolar disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, these medications have been effective in treating bipolar disorder, but they are not considered effective treatments for bipolar symptoms. Antipsychoticsmedications are used to subordinate psychotic symptoms and lowering irritability, and they can be the fastest way to treat an great manic episode. Antipsychotic medications are unremarkably stated during an acute manic leg while the patient is in the hospital, and used as a maintenance treatment after the patient is ventingd. The biggest hurdle in treatment of b ipolar disorder is current treatment. When patients are diagnosed condemnly and started on the correct medications it is vital for those medications to be continued by the patient. more bipolar patients feel that once their mood has stabilized that they are cured therefore they stop taking the medication.In conclusion, receiving a bipolar diagnosis does not have to be the end of the world. Many brilliant and upstanding people have been diagnosed and effectively treated for bipolar disorder. It is strategic to have regular visits with a psychiatrists to question your medications and side effects. Blood tests are sometimes ordered to check the levels of your medications and the response of your corpse to these medications. It is important to stay on the inflict medications and to try and keep a natural daily routine. A support assort and supportive friends and family are vital in maintaining a good balance between the highs and lows. Even though there is not a cure, it is pos sible to live a happy and productive life.ReferencesCaponigro, J., Lee, E., Johnson, S., & Kring, A., (2012). Bipolar indisposition A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. Oakland, CA New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Fink, C., & Kraynak, J., (2013). Bipolar Disorder for Dummies 2nd Edition. Hoboken, NJ John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Youngstrom, E., (2012, October 23). Myths and Realities about Bipolar Disorders. Retrieved fromhttp//www.apa.org/news/press/release/2012/10/bipolar-disorder.aspx