Bipolar Disorder Essay

What is Bipolar Disorder? A Brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in moods Also known as manic-depressive disorder It consists of manic episodes, depressive episodes, and/or hypomanic episodes People with bipolar disorder are also usually diagnosed with anxiety, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, or physical health problems There are three types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I Disorder – diagnostic criteria At least one manic episode May or may not have had a depressive episode There are more specific subcategories because it varies from person to person Bipolar II Disorder – criteria At least one hypomanic episode (not fully manic) At least one major depressive episode There are also more specific subcategories Cyclothymic Disorder – criteria Numerous hypomanic episodes Periods of depression Never have a full manic or major depressive episode Symptoms must last 2 yrs. or more and they can’t go away for more than 2 months What is a manic episode? A manic episode is a period of abnormally and persistently elevated, irritable, or expansive moods that last at least one week. To be considered a manic episode the mood disturbance must be severe enough to cause noticeable difficulty at work, school, or social activities Symptoms are not due to the direct effects of other things like drug use, other medications, or having a medical condition What is a hypomanic episode? A hypomanic episode is a distinct period of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that lasts at least 4 days. The mood disturbance must be severe enough to cause a noticeable change in functioning The episode is not severe enough to cause significant difficulty at work, school, or in social activities Symptoms are not due to the effects of something else such as drug use or other medications What is a depressive episode? A depressive episode is a period of major depression not caused by grieving Major depressive episode usually occurs directly after the manic episode ends Treatment Bipolar Disorder requires lifelong treatment – even during times when there are no symptoms Treatment is typically guided by a psychiatrist Primary treatment includes medications, individual counseling, and support groups Risk Factors Blood relative with Bipolar Disorder Periods of high stress Teens through mid-20s Drug and alcohol use Major life changes Statistics on Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder affects about 5.7 millions adults in America (about 2.6% of the U.S. population) Median age of onset is 25 years old It is seen almost equally in men and women More than 2/3 of people with Bipolar Disorder have at least one close relative with the disorder Bipolar is the 6th leading cause of disability in the world 1 in 5 patients with Bipolar Disorder commits suicide 9.2 year reduction in expected life span