The Research on Bipolar Disorder

The human brain is a very complex system, much like a city it strives for order and efficiency. However a patient with Bipolar Disorder has a very chaotic type of brain function; causing changes in mood and sometimes suicidal thoughts Bipolar Disorder is a common psychiatric mood disorder that is defined by recurrent episodes of abnormally elevated mood and depression, changes in energy and, the ability to carry out day to day tasks. (Joel, Jakosson and colleges) “Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a chronic disease with high risk of relapse. This disease also results in a high rate of suicidal mortality.” (Sabrina, Paterniti and Jean-Claude Bisserbe) Many studies show that this disorder is genetic therefore it runs in families, passing down from generation to generation. The closer you’re related to a person with bipolar the more likely you are to have BD. There are two types of BD: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. “Bipolar I disorder is defined as being present if the person experiences one or more lifetime episodes of mania and usually episodes of depression. The severity and duration of episodes are often severe and may result in hospitalization.” (Black dog institute) “Bipolar II disorder is defined as being present if the person experiences episodes of both hypomania and depression but no manic episodes. The severity of the highs does not lead to hospitalization.” (Black dog institute) Bipolar disorder may cause patients to become depressed, lose sleep and or their appetite. It may also cause them to feel worthless, guilt and, hopeless which may even lead to suicide if not treated correctly. “Over 121 million people worldwide are affected by BD. By the year 2020, depression is projected to reach second place ranking of the g... ... middle of paper ... ... this study the aim was to investigate the potential role of the polymorphism of the gene of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in conferring susceptibility to mood disorders.” (Carlo, Altamura and colleges) Their study’s results suggest not only a clinical but also a genetic and biological difference between mood disorder subtypes. (Carlo, Altamura and colleges) There are many more studies that are being done all over the world; those were just a select few that have been done. Every study that has been or will be done helps to reach answers as of why and what causes Bipolar Disorder. There for the lives of millions can be improved and treatment options will continue to grow to greater lengths. Every day a person is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, and every day we are closer to answers of how to cure and better treat this great burden on a person’s life.