Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Types Essay Example

of Bipolar I disorder but a distinct diagnosis. It involves a depressive episode lasting up to two weeks and a hypomanic episode lasting about four days. While there are no manic episodes, it can still have significant effects on the individual's life and relationships.

According to Taylor, certain medical conditions like Cushing’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis can result in bipolar disorder.

Due to the stigma associated with its diagnosis, people with bipolar disorder frequently overlook the problem. It is crucial for those who suspect they may have bipolar disorder to seek help from a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis. Consulting a doctor or licensed medical practitioner should be the initial step.

If a doctor has performed a thorough physical examination to eliminate the possibility of other underlying conditions, they will refer the patient to a qualified specialist such as a psychiatrist. This condition is frequently misdiagnosed because patients usually seek medical assistance only during episodes of depression. Therefore, doctors should conduct additional investigations to ensure an precise diagnosis. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is still uncertain.

Various medical theories exist regarding the potential cause of bipolar disorder, including genetics,

family history, and differences in brain structure and functioning. Although not definitively proven, genetics may play a role as twins with the same DNA can have different outcomes. Bipolar disorder often runs in families but not in everyone. Research has shown that individuals with bipolar disorder have distinct brain structures compared to those without the disorder, which affects treatment approaches. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary and include depressed mood, weight loss, irregular sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and suicidal thoughts during depressive episodes. Hypomanic episodes are characterized by high agitation, easy distraction, excessive energy levels, rapid speech rate, insomnia, and uncharacteristic ego behavior. Anxious distress refers to feeling unusually distressed over simple things or having premonitions of something bad happening. The text describes various features and types of bipolar disorder such as mixed features involving both hypomanic and depressive symptoms simultaneously and melancholic features including an inability to experience pleasure and feeling sad most of the time.Atypical features manifest when there is a presence of symptoms that are not typical for a specific episode. Catatonia pertains to reduced sensibility, which includes forgetting one's surroundings and mimicry. Peripartum onset is a bipolar disorder that occurs during pregnancy or within the first month after giving birth. The seasonal pattern of this disorder involves experiencing episodes of hypomania, mania, and depression throughout an individual's lifetime. On the other hand, rapid cycling refers to the occurrence of multiple mood swing episodes within a year, with periods of remission in between. In cases where mania or depression becomes severe, psychosis may occur wherein individuals become detached from reality and inhabit an alternate world (Goodwin). Bipolar disorder is a lifelong

condition that often requires strict treatment plans in order to attain as normal a life as possible. The most effective treatment for severe bipolar disorder typically involves combining medications and psychotherapy in order to achieve balance in mood. Approved medications commonly used for managing the disorder include antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

It is crucial to take medication as prescribed by a doctor because different medications have different risks and benefits. If any side effects occur, it is important to inform the doctor promptly so that proper management can be done. Besides medication, another treatment option is psychotherapy or talk therapy. This type of therapy offers support to individuals with the disorder while also educating and guiding them and their families. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychoeducation are some examples of various types of psychotherapy.

Additional treatment options for bipolar disorder include Electroconvulsive Treatment (ECT), sleep medications, and the use of a life chart to track mood and behavior patterns (Frye). It is estimated that about 1 in every 100 individuals have bipolar disorder, but many are unaware of their condition. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to enhance public education regarding diagnosing the disorder and establishing support systems for those affected in order to address the stigma associated with it.

References

1. Gitlin, Michael and Mark A Frye. "Maintenance Therapies In Bipolar Disorders". Bipolar Disorders 14 (2012): 51-65. Web.
2. Goodwin, Guy and Gary Sachs. Bipolar Disorder. 1st ed. Abingdon: HEALTH Press, 2010. Print.
3. Kiesbye, Stefan. Bipolar Disorder. 1st ed. Farmington Hills, MI:

Greenhaven Press/Gale Cengage Learning, 2010.

Print.

1st ed. Cambridge, MA: Hogrefe, 2005. Print.
Taylor, Katherine. "Bipolar Disorders: A Balanced Perspective". Bipolar Disorder: Open Access 2.1 (2016): n.

pag. Web.