Bipolar Disorder Essay - 3292 Words

Bipolar Disorder is a serious and complicated mood disorder characterized by abnormal fluctuations between an individual’s high and low moods. Mania, Depression, Hypomania and Mixed Episodes are the predominant moods that can be identified in the different forms of Bipolar Disorder (GlaxoSmithKlein, 2007). The etiology, symptomology, and treatment for each mood and form of Bipolar Disorder vary as well. Moods can be identified by a person’s level of happiness, sadness, outlook on life and how he may physically feel (Mondimore, 2006). Patients struggling with Bipolar Disorder have difficulty regulating the euphoric highs of mania, the â€Å"black hole† feelings of depression, the â€Å"softer side† of hypomania and the incessant cycling of Mixed†¦show more content†¦The intensity of these â€Å"high† feelings can be so euphoric that these individuals enjoy their manic episode. Inevitably, however, extreme highs lead to irritability and anger because the Mania is too much for the individual to handle (Mondimore, 2006). To be diagnosed as a Manic episode, the person must solely display an elevated or irritable mood for at least one week in addition to at least three of the symptoms listed above. These symptoms must negatively affect his or her ability to properly function in society. Mixed Episode must be ruled out as well (APA, 2000). Depression, the other extreme mood of Bipolar Disorder, is characterized with feelings of guilt, shame, regret, sadness, loss, hopelessness and suffocation. Individuals in a depressive episode often times blame themselves for their sorrow. To be diagnosed with Major Depression, they must suffer from a depressed mood or a loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, in addition to at least five other symptoms which may include insomnia or hypersomnia, inability to maintain a healthy weight, fatigue, slow thinking, and suicidal ideations. These symptoms must last for at least tw o weeks. Mixed Episode must be ruled out as well (APA, 2000). Even the most natural beauties, such as a sunset or a flower, are interpreted as blandShow MoreRelatedBipolar Disorder ( Bipolar )847 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Bipolar Disorder† Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness, which involves hypomanic episodes, which are changes in someone’s usual mood. Originally, Bipolar Disorder was called manic depression because it does share similar symptoms with people diagnosed with depression. Bipolar Disorder is a severe condition because it can cause mania, which then causes hallucinations and paranoid rage. 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Bipolar Disorder is an increasingly common mood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. In order to understand the plight of any psychiatric patient suffering from this ailment or to be prepared to treat this disease, it is pertinent to first understand what this mental disorder truly is. The first misconception surrounding bipolar disorder is that it is just one disease, contrarily it can be divided into two different sub categoriesRead MoreBipolar Disorder ( Bipolar )1541 Words   |  7 PagesManic depression, also known as Bipolar Disorder is not your normal up and down mood change; it’s not like what most people experience, getting a little sad and getting over it. Instead it is extreme mood swing that â€Å"usually going from EXTREMLY happy to EXTREMLY angry† also include emotional highs and lows such as, depression and mania. Mood changes can happen as little as a few times a year or as often as several times a week; it depends on the person and thei r environment. 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