...Bipolar Disorder Resources Bipolar Disorder Resources When you struggle with Bipolar Disorder, you will often feel alone. It is more common in our present day to be aware of any mental disorders and is more accepted. There are local organizations to help aide in dealing with bipolar disorder. The worldwide internet makes it even easier to find help if you are struggling. You can gain access to these organizations by simply researching the disorder. Understanding Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is something that is prevalent in many late teens or adults. According to "Cultural Aspects of Bipolar Disorder: Interpersonal Meaning for Clients & Psychiatric Nurses." (2007), "symptoms of the disorder cause a multitude of fluctuations in mood and behavior, affecting the way individuals function and interact with others on a daily basis.” The individual with this disorder could fluctuate between manic episodes or depression. To be characterized with bipolar disorder, the symptoms or mood changes have to be frequent and measurable. It can be difficult to diagnose bipolar disorder, because many of the symptoms can be linked to other disorders. Bipolar Disorder in Different Cultures “Bipolar disorder affects more than 1% of the world's population irrespective of nationality, ethnic origin, or socioeconomic status” (“Bipolar Disorder,” 2015, para. 1). Since this disorder can be diagnosed in any part of the world, the symptoms can differ from patient to patient based...
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...As many as 19 million Americans million are affected by mood disorders ( The two main types of mood disorders are bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder which are described as disturbances in mood, behavior and emotion.“ Bipolar disorder is a complex disorder in which the core feature is pathological disturbance in mood ranging from extreme elation, or mania, to severe depression usually accompanied by disturbances in thinking and behavior, which may include psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations” (Craddock, Jones 1999). Major depressive disorder or unipolar depression is characterized by a consistent low mood and lack of interest in things typically enjoyed .A second classification of major depressive disorder, is dysthymic disorder which is a chronic but less severe form of major depression (John W. Santrock 2007). Also major depression has many subgroups including seasonal affect disorder and postpartum depression. While there are many treatment options for the symptoms of mood disorders and promising scientific research, much is still unknown about a disorder that affects so many lives. According to Dinsmoor, R. S. &ump; Odle, T. G. (2009), bipolar depression refers to a condition in which people experience two extremes in mood. The bipolar spectrum includes; bipolar I, bipolar 2, bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified) and cyclothymia and all are related to disturbances in mood but differ in severity of symptoms. They are differentiated by the...
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...Aungel Williams Bryant & Stratton College Psychology101 Ms. Manigault July 15, 2011 Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents is a lifelong condition, however it can affect both how you feel, and how you act. The disorder is thought to be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that can result in extreme mood swings. Mood swings are from manic highs depressive to lows depressive. The chemical imbalances are believed to lead to the symptoms that the child or adolescents experience with bipolar disorder. They must have experienced a high period which is called mania or hypomania. Bipolar mania is described as an extreme high or feeling abnormal. Bipolar disorder is known as manic depressive that have mood swings from ecstatic elation to deep depression. A manic person may show excessive energy, lessened need for sleep, and inflated self-esteem. People with bipolar would have depression are more likely to have insomnia and agitation. “Those that have bipolar disorder also exhibit social withdrawal, and irritability. Some people with the bipolar disorder attempt suicide when the mood shifts from the elated phase toward depression. They will do almost anything to escape the depths of depression that lay ahead” (Spencer, 2011, p.257). Funded teams of the federally funded has stated and investigated the normal age for Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents starts at the age of six years old. “The federally funded studies have shown 7 percent of children seen...
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...Bipolar Disorder Sandra Yearwood Grand Canyon University: NRS 433V 3/21/15 Introduction Bipolar Disorder (or manic depression) is a common, lifelong, severe and complex mental illness that is characterized by extreme mood swings with episodes of depression. According to the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, bipolar disorder affects about 2.6% of people age 18 and older. Bipolar Disorder affects both male and female equally and is caused by multiple factors and evidence suggests a strong hereditary component. To help understand Bipolar Disorders or to help to correct it, individuals go through counseling services and pharmacotherapy. Individuals with this disorder may either have Type I or Type II. According to “Journal of creativity in Mental Health” clients often go through different phases or breakouts caused by this disorder. These break out are due to poor social behaviors, lack of rest, poor judgment on other people and increased energy. Background of study This study will elaborate on Bipolar Disorder and why this mental illness has become such a major topic of interest in recent studies. In the United States, statistics have proven that there have been increased incidences of patients who are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and researchers have linked this disorder to the younger population as well as the rest of the world where people often go around undiagnosed. Objective: How can one understand Bipolar Mood more thoroughly and...
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...Bipolar Disorder Ashley Lannon Introduction to Psychology Professor Deborah Schlobach Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness is not just mood swings it is a brain disorder that can cause uncommon shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function in everyday activities. Bipolar disorder is more than just usual mood swings that you, or I might have from time to time, they are much more than that. Before you can fully understand Bipolar disorder, the two main mood stages must be identified. This is a mental condition in which a person alternates between feelings of mania and feelings of depression, affecting one to two percent of the population. Bipolar disorder is a long term illness that must carefully be managed through out a person’s life. In my opinion, the three domains of psychology relate to bipolar disorder in a way that physically the body is feeling sad or empty at times. Cognitively, because there is no choice to what this person is thinking or feeling at any given time. Which brings me to social emotional for the reason that, there is no control of the feel and show for empathy in others, and are not always able to establish, and maintain positive relationships with others. (psychology.com) Throughout, the different stages of Bipolar disorder a person may experience many stages of mania and depression. Each mood episode represents a drastic change from a person's usual mood and behavior...
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...A Day in the Life: Bipolar Disorder Abstract Bipolar Disorder, sometimes referred to as a manic-depressive disorder, is best described as an illness that results in drastic and unpredictable mood swings, energy levels and one’s ability to complete daily tasks. Not to be confused with simply being tired or in a bad mood, the symptoms associated with bipolar disorders are drastic, severe and frightening for many. It can easily annihilate relationships, jeopardize careers and in some cases, those with diagnosed bipolar can attempt and succeed in committing suicide. This paper will take a look at how this illness can affect one’s daily life and what that might mean to an outsider looking in. A Day in the Life: Bipolar Disorder To understand bipolar disorder, one must first understand the dynamics behind the illness. “Bipolar” means literally “two opposite poles” (Mrazek, 2008). Most often, bipolar disorder develops in one’s late teen years or early adulthood and while the official studies insist approximately 1% of the American population suffers from this order, new research suggests that it could be as high as 5% (Hedaya, 2010). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a full one half of all diagnoses are made before the age of twenty-five (2008). The symptoms vary from one person to the next and what might be considered severe symptoms for one many be easily addressed in another (Das, Olfson, Gameroff, Pilowsky, Blanco, Feder...
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...The Bipolar Disorder Barbara Nelson Liberty University Abstract Those with bipolar disorders have changes in mood that effect energy and personality which are more severe than most individual have each day. These changes can cause difficulties with those at home or at where the individual is employed. Adults and children have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, often it is view as depression in children rather than bipolar disorder. If a family member is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it increases the chance of other family members to develop it. Suicidal behavior is common in those with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is treated with medication and psychotherapy for better outcome which is supported by research. By integrating treatment and spiritual integration, the individual with bipolar disorder can make gains in living a full life. . The Bipolar Disorder The condition of bipolar disorder is a mental...
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...Bipolar Disorder: Effects on One’s Life Seminar II: Developing Learning Tools Ottawa University Ms. Nancy Hindle Tonya Nelson April 11, 2012 Abstract This literature review explores bipolar disorder (BD) and how it can affect one’s life. Patients experience extreme highs (mania/hypomania) and lows (depression) with this disorder. These episodes vary by type. There are various types of BD as well as multiple forms of treatments. There are also links between alcohol abuse or dependence (AUD) and social phobia (SP) with bipolar disorder. After treatment one may lead a full and productive life; however if untreated this disorder can affect mood, behavior and judgment, leading to poor performance at work, school and in one’s social life. Bipolar Disorder: Effects on One’s Life Bipolar disorder (BD) is a brain disorder that can significantly affect a person’s thoughts and behaviors in daily life. Once this disorder is diagnosed, someone with this illness may lead a full and productive life; however, if gone untreated one may have a higher risk of suicide and one’s personal relationships can be negatively impacted. Baldessarini, Viera, Calabrese, Tohen & Bowde (2010) state that there is a delay between diagnosis and correct treatment of five to ten years (p. 145). People with this disorder can have very “high” (mania/hypomania) periods and very “low” (depression) periods in a short amount of time. One can also have milder symptoms. For instance...
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...About Bipolar Disorder Jessica Menefee PSY 115 February 20, 2011 Janet Barber Abstract Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that disrupts an individual’s emotional state. Suffers have states of mania characterized by euphoria and states of depression. There are 4 types of bipolar disorder diagnosed by their states of mania versus hypomania. There is no single cause for bipolar disorder. It can begin as soon as early adolescents, although it often gets misdiagnosed. With treatments such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants, episodes of mania and depression can be significantly reduced. Without treatment, the risk for suicide and accidental death are increased. About Bipolar Disorder Mood disorders are disorders that change a persons’ emotional state to greater extremes and for longer periods of time than most people. Mood disorders can be either uni-polar or bipolar. Uni-polar mood disorders, such as depression change individuals’ emotions in only one manner. Depression causes feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness. Bipolar disorder gets its name from the fact that it can affect a persons’ mood in two directions, extreme happiness or extreme sadness. In terms of the earth, the poles are the northernmost and southernmost points on Earth; they are the furthest point you can go before changing directions. Varied states of extreme happiness, mania, and extreme sadness, depression, is why many refer to this disorder as manic depression. In the context of bipolar...
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...Psychiatric Disorders, Diseases, and Drugs Barb Parker PSY/240 April 7, 2012 Rebecca Gazda Psychiatric disorders and neuropsychological disorders were, in the past, thought to be caused by two different abnormalities (Pinel, 2009). Now there is enough evidence to qualify both disorders as disorders of dysfunctional brains (Pinel, 2009). There are a few differences in the causes; psychiatric disorders are more influenced by experience and are harder to diagnose (Pinel, 2009). This summary will briefly describe the different theories with the psychiatric disorders of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and Tourette syndrome, as well as drug therapies used to treat them. Schizophrenia in itself has no clear definition because of its relationship with other brain disorders (Pinel, 2009). Because of the various symptoms produced by schizophrenia, such as delusions, hallucinations, inappropriate reactions to events, illogical thinking, and periods of catatonia, many professional refer to the disorder as schizophrenias (Pinel, 2009). There are several abstract thoughts behind the causes of schizophrenia including the developmental, genetic, and dopamine theories. The genetic theory suggests that people can be predisposed genetically to schizophrenias when certain environmental experiences interact, but it is not known how (“Schizophrenia: Current Theories”, 2011). The developmental hypothesis is based on complications occurring during...
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...What Is Bipolar Disorder? COMM/156 5/25/2012 Mary Clark “What a creature of strange moods [Winston Churchill] is - always at the top of the wheel of confidence or at the bottom of an intense depression,” once said William Maxwell "Max" Aitken. Bipolar disorder is a chemical imbalance in the brain that has yet to be unraveled; it causes many mood swings that can happen at a moment’s notice without a word. With many mental illnesses in order to diagnose them it takes time and observation with a health care provider. Treatment is also an aspect that takes planning and reflection mostly on how the patient feels in reaction to the medication that they are taking and other forms of treatment. Although bipolar disorder is a complex disease to diagnose, there are several alternative treatments used in conjunction with medication can be effective in managing this serious mental illness. By definition Bipolar Disorder is associated with mood swings that range from the lows of depression to the highs of mania; otherwise known as obsession (The Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). These two separate feelings could come at the same time of the day or may only take place a few times a year; it all depends on the severity of the patient’s disorder. Currently there is no known exact cause for bipolar disorder; although there are several contributing factors thought to cause the disease. Several of the factors involved with causing bipolar disorder are neurotransmitters, inherited traits, hormones...
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...reviews concepts of depression, including history and classification. The original broad concept of melancholia included all forms of quiet insanity. The term depression began to appear in the nineteenth century, as did the modern concept of affective disorders, with the core disturbance now viewed as one of mood. The 1980s saw the introduction of defined criteria into official diagnostic schemes. The modern separation into unipolar and bipolar disorder was introduced following empirical research by Angst and Perris in the 1960s. The partially overlapping distinctions between psychotic and neurotic depression, and between endogenous and reactive depression, started to generate debate in the 1920s, with considerable multivariate research in the 1960s. The symptom element in endogenous depression currently survives in melancholia or somatic syndrome. Life stress is common in various depressive pictures. Dysthymia, a valuable diagnosis, represents a form of what was regarded earlier as neurotic depression. Other subtypes are also discussed. © 2008, LLS SAS rior to the late 19th century, although detailed systems of classification abounded, the main problem for psychiatric nosology was the establishment of the broad major disorders. Melancholia was recognized as early as the time of Hippocrates, and continued through Galenic medicine and medieval times. The earlier connotation of the term was very wide, and included all forms of quiet insanity. It was linked with the humoral theory...
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...Running head: BIPOLAR I & II 1 Bipolar I & II Research Paper (Main Focus on Bipolar II) Perry Blankenship Liberty University BIPOLAR I & II 2 Abstract This paper will cover the diagnoses and treatment of Bipolar II. This paper will show that Bipolar II is found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This paper will also discuss the use of medication as part of the treatment process for this disorder. This paper will research some of the similar and conflicting attributes of Bipolar I and II. This paper will also show that Bipolar II is a disorder that can be maintained but is never fully cured. This paper will also consider the Christian world view concerning Bipolar Disorder. BIPOLAR I & II 3 According to Maddux and Winstead (2008), Bipolar II is defined as “One or more major depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode.” Bipolar II patients are not as disabled, and they do not present the same psychotic features as Bipolar I patients with manic episodes. When researching information about Bipolar II Disorder a researcher will need to look under...
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...A Reflective Paper On Bipolar Disorder Bipolar is a condition known as manic-depressive disorder, which referred to as bipolar or manic depression, a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more abnormal episodes. An estimated 15-20% of patients who suffer from bipolar disorder and who do not receive medical attention commit suicide. Bipolar disorder is a very dangerous illness that is often over looked. Although many people may assume that bipolar disorder is just a person's personality fluctuating between highs and lows, there is much more to this disease. Bipolar disorder is a complex physiological and psychological disorder that can influence and manipulate a person's thoughts and actions in their daily life. Bipolar elevated moods are symptoms of mania or milder hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes have both mania and depression present at the same time. These episodes are usually separated by periods of "normal "mood; but, in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, which is known as rapid cycling. Feldman, R.S 2009. In addition, extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Depression phase of bipolar disorder include persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger isolation, or hopelessness; disturbances in sleep and loss of appetite and interest in usually enjoyable activities; problems concentrating; loneliness...
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...Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances, such as: Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia) is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder....
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