Is a Frustrating Mess
The severe mood fluctuations of bipolar or manic-depressive disorders have been around since the 16-century and affect little more than 2% of the population in both sexes, all races, and all parts of the world (Lee, Down is Not Out 9). Researchers think that the cause is genetic, but it is still unknown. The one fact of which we are painfully aware of is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its' victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success (10) Because the symptoms of bipolar disorder are so debilitation, it is crucial that we search for possible treatments and cure (12).The characteristics of bipolar disorder are significant shifts in mood that go from Manic episodes to deep depressive episodes in an up and down trip that seemingly never ends (Greer, Depression Source Book 139). There are actually three types of bipolar disorder (5). In bipolar III disorder there is a family history of mania or hypomania in addition to the client experiencing depressive episodes (13) this category is not highly used but is worth noting. Bipolar II disorder is marked by hypomanic episodes that have not required hospitalization (29). Bipolar I disorder is the full-b
(Lee 141) It is often impossible to predict the number of episodes that a person with bipolar disorder can expect to have over the course of a year and is often dependent on each individual case. (Lee 20) Irritability and lack of attention span are also trademarks of this state. (132) It seems that everything that goes wrong with the human body is somehow linked backed to our genes. (Greer 174) The depressive state is the darker side of this disorder. One major side effect of Clozaril is that Bell 5is suppresses the production of white blood cells on about 1% of patients. Suicide is most likely to happen in the depressive side of bipolar disorder and the patient Must be closely watched for suicidal tendencies. Many people have heard about the horror stories of ECT and see it as an archaic tool that does little but torture the patient. Lithium has been linked to causing kidney and thyroid problems. (121) "An individual with bipolar disorder who experiences at least four manic or depressive episodes within a year is considered to be experiencing a rapid cycling pattern. In 1995, Depakote was approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar disorder and is slowing becoming the most widely prescribed drug for the use on mania. (56) Compared with lithium, Depakote doesn't have all the bad side effects when properly administered. One study at Mclean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts found that one group of patients taking fish oil pills along with their regular medications showed fewer symptoms than patients taking only their regular medications. I have only touched on some of the way that bipolar disorder can be treated. One such controversy has already arisen for mood-gene testing.
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