Bipolar Disorder Essay

Over the old age there gestate been many misconceptions about what bipolar perturbation is, what the symptoms be, and how it is enured. bipolar perturb, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain distemper that causes unusual shifts in whim, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out e veryday tasks. A person who has climate swings does not automatically qualify them for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The characteristics of bipolar disorder be signifi bottomlandt shifts in mood that go from manic episodes to deep depressive episodes in waves and valleys that never decease. some 2% of Americans view as been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, more commonly known as manic depression. Scientists are constantly studying the possible causes of bipolar disorder. approximately scientists agree that there is not iodin single cause, but is caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors. make up though it has not been proven that bipolar disor der is hereditary, it does tend to run in families. Children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are ofttimes more likely to develop the illness, compared with children who do not have a family history. bipolar patients are more likely to use mind neutering drugs to try and self-medicate therefore making diagnosis a harder process. Doctors diagnose bipolar disorder using guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the symptoms must be a major change from your blueprint mood or behavior (Youngstrom, E., 2012, October 23). Below is a chart demonstrating the disparate mood changes and behavioral changes between a manic and depressive episode.It was once archetype that there were only two types of bipolar disorder, but now the unsoundness has been broken down even further into several different disorders. bipolar I disorder is the more or less severe form of the illness with entire manic or mixed episodes that croak at least a week. Bipolar I disorder is characterized by at least one manic episode during your lifetime. Usually 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 knock against the criteria for bipolar II, a previous episode of depression is necessary, along with symptoms of less intense mania lasting at least quad days (Caponigro, J., Lee, E., Johnson, S., & Kring, A., 2012). Cyclothymia is defined by a pattern of degenerative and frequent mood changes. These mood changes are not as extremum as those experienced in manic episodes. The diagnosis is based sour of how much of the time some type of changed move is present. close to(prenominal) hoi polloi diagnosed with Cyclothymia tend to feel very up or very down at least half of the time. This diag nosis is not con stancered until those mood fluctuations have continued for a very long time primarily 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 drop-off 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 stiffly long-term. Because it is a lifelong illness, long-term word is essential to control symptoms. It is essential to notice the correct diagnosis to receive the most effective treatment. Medication is the most effective treatment for managing symptoms of bipolar disorder and extending periods of mental and p hysical wellness.Most often, the first medicines used are called mood stabilizers. Since the early 1960s, lithium has been the most commonly used mood stabilizer (Fink, C., & Kraynak, J., 2013). Some other medications that are prescribed 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. major tranquillisersmedications are used to reduce psychotic symptoms and lowering irritability, and they can be the fastest way to treat an acute manic episode. Antipsychotic medications are usually stated during an acute manic phase opus the patient is in the hospital, and used as a maintenance treatment after the patient is released. The biggest hurdle in treatment of bipolar disorder is ongoing treatment. When patients are diagnosed correctl y and started on the correct medications it is vital for those medications to be continued by the patient. Many 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 important to have regular visits with a psychiatrists to discuss your medications and side effects. Blood tests are sometimes ordered to check the levels of your medications and the response of your personify to these medications. It is important to stay on the prescribed medications and to try and keep a normal daily routine. A support group 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 possible to live a happy and productive life.ReferencesCaponigro, J., Lee, E., Joh nson, S., & Kring, A., (2012). Bipolar Disorder A Guide for the fresh 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