Understanding and Managing Bipolar Disorder

976 Words2 Pages

Bipolar Disorder can be classified by the occurrence of manic episodes followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, extensive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week and present most of the day, nearly every day. During the specific period of mood disturbance and increased energy or activity, many symptoms are present. Some examples of these symptoms can include: -Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and are more talkative than usual (“Bipolar and Related Disorders, “n.d.). There is a 10- 15% risk of completed suicide associated with Bipolar Disorder (“Bipolar Depression”, 2)
A mood disturbance is classified as severe if it causes a marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or if there are psychotic features. However, this episode is not attributable to the psychological effects of a substance (“Bipolar and Related Disorders, “n.d.). During a manic episode, individuals often do not perceive that they are ill or in need of treatment and vehemently resist efforts to be treated. Individuals may change their dress, makeup, or personal appearance to a more sexually suggestive or flamboyant style. Some perceive a sharper sense of smell, hearing, or vision. Gambling and antisocial behaviors may accompany the manic episode (“Bipolar and Related Disorders, “n.d.).
A hypomanic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy, lasting at least 4 consecutive days ...

... middle of paper ...

...order perform more poorly than healthy individuals on cognitive tests (“Bipolar and Related Disorders, “n.d.). Even though episodes of mania and depression naturally come and go, it is important to understand that bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that currently has no cure (“Prognosis of Bipolar Disorder,” 2011).
For the future, a yearlong study of at least 10 bipolar drugs are being conducted and compared to figure out the best combinations (Kluger and Song, 2002). Brain scans are also being completed to determine which lobes and regions are involved in Bipolar Disorder (Kluger and Song, 2002). A blood test that allows bipolar disorder to be spotted just as simply as high cholesterol is a process in the making (Kluger and Song, 2002). A blood test will finally eliminate years of incorrect diagnoses, along with misguided treatments (Kluger and Song, 2002).

More about Understanding and Managing Bipolar Disorder

Open Document