bipolar disorder
Bipolar Affective DisorderBipolar affective disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive disorder, has beenidentified as a major psychiatric disorder that is characterized by exaggerated mood and behaviorchanges, ranging from episodes of high euphoric moods to deep depressions. Persons afflictedwith this disorder typically do not experience mood variability, however their moods are highlystable at either end of the mood continuum. The type, severity, and duration of mood disorders vary from person to person. Themood episodes can last to a few days to as long as several months. Approximately 1 to 2 percentof the population suffer from this illness, occurring equally in both men and women. The onsetof this disorder is typically displayed around 20 and 29 years of age. There are two main classifications of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I is diagnosed when aperson has symptoms of manic episodes and has had no depressive episodes in the past. However, a depressive episode often follows after the first manic episode occurs. Over 90% ofpeople with Bipolar I experience two or more manic episodes in their lifetime. Bipolar IIpatients have a depressed mood followed or preceded by
There are many factors that influence the etiology of bipolar disorders. that would ordinarily be pleasurable. During the manic episode, a person may also exhibit a symptom known as a racing ofthoughts, or "flight of ideas. A person experiencing this symptom may begin many different projects at one time than isrealistically possible, however they do become extremely productive with this increased energy. In additionto treatment, support from self-help groups, and an especially a loving family can greatly benefitthe patient deal with their problems. Some people with bipolar disorder also experiencea "mixed-episode. The drug generally takes 2 to 3 weeks to become effective, andhas many unpleasant side effects. As a result, an individual may not have a geneticpredisposition to the disorder, however the presence of another illness, altered health habits,substance abuse, or hormonal fluctuations can also influence the normal chemical imbalance inthe brain. If one parent suffers from manic-depressiveillness, a child has a 12-15 percent risk of suffering from a depressive disorder; if both parentssuffer from manic-depressive illness, the children have a 25 percent chance each of developing adepressive disorder or manic-depressive disorderGenetics can also influence the susceptibility of bipolar disorder by creating apredisposition of a biological chemical imbalance in the brain. These antidepressant medications interact withneurotransmitters in order to stabilize the levels of chemicals in the brain, which are the cause ofthe disorder. " People in mixed states alternate their manic and depressive states on a dailybasis for at least a week. With high levels of energy, people may need only a few hours of sleep, or even go fordays without sleep and still remain energetic and refreshed. Some depressedindividuals are frequently plagued by insomnia, and find difficulty falling asleep, becomerestlessness during the night, or wake up earlier than usual. Theirfuture seems very dark, with little hope of recovery, and believes death is the only solution totheir problems. Anticonvulsant medications, particularly valproate andcarbamazepine, have been used as alternatives to lithium in many cases.
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