Category: Bipolar Disorder

Introduction

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that is characterized by mood swings. A child suffering from this disorder may be very happy in one instance and may easily become sad for no good reason. According to Bardick and Bernes (2005), bipolar disorder may be ignored because it is not accompanied by physical pain. However, it brings mental torture that may be unbearable to a child. That is why Guest (2013) suggests that this disorder should be treated before it leads to other serious mental problems. In this study, the researcher seeks to support the argument that bipolar disorder among children should be diagnosed and treated.

Informed Perspective of the Topic

The researcher strongly supports the idea of diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder among children in order to avoid negative consequences it might bring. According to Guest and Fieldman (2011), mood swings is always an indication of mental weakness. Feelings of happiness and sadness should have a reasonable justification. When a person becomes extremely agitated or very sad without a clear reason for it, then it is a sign of mental weakness. Such conditions should not be ignored because they can be symptoms of a serious mental sickness (Tina, 2008). Diagnosis of bipolar disorder should be considered as soon as a child is detected to have abnormal mood swings. As Guest (2013) says, an early intervention may help a child from mental distress that may result into serious health complications.

Discussion

Medical experts have suggested that bipolar disorder among children should be diagnosed and treated because if it is ignored, then the child may develop serious mental illnesses. This suggestion has been supported by a number of studies by scholars in this field. A study by Bardick and Bernes (2005) focused on the consequences of bipolar disorder among the children as they grow into adolescent stage.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between bipolar disorder among the children and drug abuse. Quantitative method involving 200 participants was used in order to find out if drug abuse among adolescents has any relationship with bipolar disorder. It was found that children who suffered from bipolar disorder were four times more likely to become drug addicts. The results showed that this disorder led to mental suffering that drove adolescents into drug abuse and alcoholism as a solution to their problems.

It was more prevalent among children who were ignored by their parents. As they became adolescents, they developed a feeling that the only way of solving their problem is to engage in alcoholism and drug abuse. These are practices which are harmful to the health of the adolescent. For this reason, the findings of this study support the argument that bipolar disorder should be diagnosed and treated in order to avoid its consequences.

The study by Bardick and Bernes (2005) focused on determining the relationship between bipolar disorder and tendency to have symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsive risky behavior. The study involved 100 youths who had suffered from bipolar disorder when they were children. In this qualitative research, it was established that children who suffered from bipolar disorder were more likely to engage in impulsive risky behaviors, especially if their condition is ignored for a long time compared to their normal counterparts. Such children may develop suicidal thoughts when they get depressed. A feeling of being of limited value to people around them and the society in general may become too painful to bear.

When such feelings are not managed by the affected child with the help from people around it, then such a child can easily commit suicide. Other than committing suicide, such children can engage in other risky behaviors that may harm people around them or destroy properties as a way of expressing their frustration. The findings of this study strongly support the argument of the researcher that bipolar disorder should be diagnosed and treated. This is the only way that such a childs safety and security of people around it will be assured.

The study by Sutton (2013) focused on determining the relationship between bipolar disorder and anxiety among the children. Anxiety is an undesirable mental problem that medical experts always suggest should not be ignored at all costs, especially among the children. Anxiety has a strong negative effect on a childs capacity to learn. In this qualitative study, the researcher used 100 participants which included teachers and children aged below 12 years.

The study found out that children who suffered from prolonged bipolar disorder were likely to develop anxiety disorders. This slowed their mental development capacity. Such children performed dismally in their classes and were unsocial. They had few friends and avoided sharing their problems with anyone, the fact that would worsen their condition. This study supports the idea that bipolar disorder among children is an undesirable mental problem that should be addressed to enable them develop as normal children.

Another study that was reviewed focused on how mental sickness is related to bipolar disorder. This qualitative study by Guest and Fieldman (2011) used 180 participants. The participants included medical experts, parents and teachers who have handled children with mental sicknesses. This study found out that most of children who acquired mental sickness had suffered from bipolar disorder. This disorder was ignored when it was detected and it worsened, becoming a serious mental sickness that requires proper medication. In some extreme cases, such a child would become mad. This is an undesirable outcome that should be avoided at all costs. Before it reaches such a stage, it is appropriate to come up with measures that can help mitigate it to help such a child to develop as other normal children.

Conclusion

This research has confirmed that bipolar disorder in children should be diagnosed and treated in order to avoid negative consequences that it may bring on a child. In many cases, this health problem may be ignored by relevant people such as parents and teachers. However, its effect may have serious implications on the normal development of a child. If not handled properly, such a child may be a threat to itself and other members of the society around it. This disorder may develop into a permanent mental sickness.

References

Bardick, A. & Bernes, K. (2005). A Closer Examination of Bipolar Disorder in School-Age Children. Professional School Counseling, 9(1), 72-77.

Guest, A. M. (2013). Taking sides: Clashing views in life-span development. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Guest, M. & Fieldman, S. (2011). Biomarkers of neurological and psychiatric disease. Amsterdam: Academic Press.

Sutton, K. (2013). Childhood Bipolar Disorder: A Difficult Diagnosis. Beyond Behavior, 23(1), 30-37.

Tina, H. (2008). Body and Brain: Possible Link between Inflammation and Bipolar Disorder. Journal of Nursing, 173 (15), 228-229.

Introduction

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are psychiatric disorders that affect youths especially in the adolescent stage. Although the two disorders have different classification, they have similar causative agents, signs and symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis. However, a severe schizophrenia disorder may be similar to bipolar disorder especially when the victims experience mental disturbances.

Bipolar disorder

This psychiatry disorder alters the patients perception of normal occurrences hence increasing their temperamental levels. The cause is either through familial characteristics (genetic), psychological or environmental issues. Genetically, an alteration in the serotonin, dopamine and glutamate genes may be the cause of the disease.

However, due to inveterate inconsistent in clinical research on the condition, the real genes that affect the motor neurons in the brain are yet to be established.

Alternatively, an individual with peculiar genes may be susceptible to the disorder (Serretti and Mandelli 743). The peculiar genes occur due to mutations especially in children born to old parents. Psychologically, an alteration and dysfunction in the brain regions like globus pallidus, prefrontal cortex and the hypothalamus in the pituitary axis elevates stress (Koehler 5).

The organelle mitochondrion is the cause of high-energy production leading to stress. Additionally, psychic trauma incurred during childhood eventually lead to stress. Awful ordeals like rape, fights amongst parents and frequent corporal punishment may lead to bipolar disorder especially in adulthood. Therefore, the close interactions of genetic, psychological and environmental factors lead to severe cases of bipolar disorder.

Symptoms

A series of mood changes accompanies bipolar disorder hence altering the normal behavior of an individual. Often, one sign leads to the other; for instance, depression may lead to mania then hypomania and finally a combination of the first signs. The depression stage manifests itself through insomnia, anger, loneliness coupled with unhappiness and eventually a feeling of guilty. Hallucinatory episodes and painful feeling may lead to temptation of committing suicide.

Due to dysfunction of the mitochondria, high energy levels lead to mania. Similarly, insomnia is frequent. Victims decide to abuse drugs and become alcoholic as a way to curb the disorder hence reduces the depression levels. Hypomania is not severe in that the patient appears normal and may deny being in depression.

Psychiatrists are usually unable to diagnose a patient at this stage. However, individuals have a decrease in memory levels hence poor recalling abilities. Surprisingly, this stage can be unnoticed, which makes the victim to have severe disorder.

A combination of the mania and depression can lead to severe cases of insomnia, drug abuse, alcoholism and eventually death due to suicide. Although psychiatrists find it hard to diagnose bipolar disorder, clear observation of the signs and behavioral changes are used. American Psychological Association (APA) says that, both the clinical officer and close relatives who experience the patients ordeals help in the diagnosis (355). The treatment is through psychological therapy and use of drugs like anticonvulsants and mood stabilization drugs.

Schizophrenia

This mental disorder alters the emotion of the individuals hence normal thinking. The main causes of schizophrenia are either environmental, genetic, neural dysfunction or psychological trauma. Genetically, a familial history contributes to the occurrence of schizophrenia. Additionally, possessions of certain genes cause the disorder. Researchers associate some proteins to the disorder, scientist link zinc and histone proteins genes to schizophrenia.

Various environmental factors lead to schizophrenia disorder in some individuals. Motherhood before and after birth predispose the infant to the disorder. Eating disorders and other infection predisposed to the infant during infancy may cause mental dysfunction after birth. Individuals who grow up in abuse relationships also may incur the disorder. Some factors like drug abuse due to peer pressure and lack of good parentage may be among the causes.

The use of hard drugs like cannabis and cocaine alters an individual normal thinking hence emotional perception. Most of these drugs lead to overdependence altering the functions of the neurons specifically in the brain region. Hallucinatory episodes, unclear communication, antisocial behavior are among the common signs.

Due to mood swings and unhappiness filled with anger, patients may attempt suicide to stop their suffering. Fortunately, schizophrenia has treatment, which includes psychological therapy, social therapy and use of drugs. Clozapine, perphanazine, quetiapine and risperidone among others medically curb the disorder.

Similarities and differences between schizophrenia and bipolar

The two disorders affect the mental ability of the individual. They have similar causative agents and symptomatic stages. Both disorders alter the normal behavior of an individual. Psychological and brain dysfunction are the main causes of the disorders. Similarly, environmental issues like drug abuse, physical abuse and poor parental are among the causes.

Additionally, genetic factors like familial factors and hereditary of defective genes contribute to the disorders. The two disorders have similar symptoms a fact that gives psychiatrist tough time to diagnose the disorders and eventually may lead to misdiagnosis. Both symptoms manifest through hallucinations, insomnia and depression, which aggravates the patients ability to indulge in hard drugs. Sever cases of both disorders end up in suicidal cases from the victims.

After keen observation, both medical intervention and psychotherapy curb the disorders. The main obstacle in that makes patient not seek medical intervention is social stigma because relatives and neighbors perceive the patients as mad people. Parents of the victims hide indoors their children to curb shame that comes with the disease.

Differences

There is administration of different drugs to patients with these disorders. However, the drugs used in schizophrenia have severe side effects, which may even lead to the death of the individual. Similarly, depending on the stage of schizophrenia a small percentage of patients mount resistance to the drugs. However, Bipolar disorder treatment has less cases of resistance mainly because the drugs used aim at inhibiting the function of aggravating genes like serotonin and dopamine.

McGlashan observes that, sometimes, schizophrenia disorder may present in form of bipolar hence leading to difficulty in medications (143). Therefore, in such a case, there is double diagnosis but treatment becomes a challenge due the use of different drugs. Sadly, some patients decide to forego any form of treatment and this culminates to death.

Conclusion

In summary, bipolar and schizophrenia affect mental hence emotions of the individuals. Therefore, they are mental disorders, which may be fatal if untreated. Environmental, genetic, familial and psychological factors are the main causes of the diseases. The similarities in the factors causing the disorders and eventual symptoms pose a challenge to medical practitioner during diagnosis.

However, the medical interventions are through combination of both administration of drugs and psychological therapy. Sometimes, schizophrenia patients end up dying due to inability to respond to drugs hence one of the medical challenges. Finally, parental genes whether defective or not predispose their children to schizophrenia and bipolar. Therefore, there is need of gene therapy especially when the disorder is hereditary.

Works Cited

APA. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: USA Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, 2000.

Koehler, Brian. Bipolar Disorder, Stress, and the HP Axis.The International Society for The Psychological Treatment of Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses, 2005. Web.

McGlashan, Thomas. Testing DSM-III symptom criteria for schizotypal and borderline Personality disorders. Journal ofArchives of General Psychiatry, 1987. Web.

Serretti, Alessandro, and Mandelli, Luigi. The genetics of bipolar disorder: genome hot regions, genes, new potential candidates and future directions. Molecular Psychiatry 13.8 (2008): 74271.

The other name for bipolar disorder is Manic-depressive illness. This disease specifically causes the patient to experience extra ordinary changes in mood, strength, levels of concentration, and the ability to execute daily tasks (Kato, 2007). Unless the disease has been diagnosed, it is difficult to identify the symptoms.

Therefore, the infected person is constantly in conflicts with the people who interact with him/her. For instance, such persons can barely be in a stable relationship for a considerable period. Moreover, they seem to be in a habit of engaging in intense arguments at their places of work. This is probably because they cannot fully concentrate on what they are doing at a particular time.

Symptoms

Bipolar disorder is common in persons under the age of 25 years. However, there are situations that have been reported involving patients who are in their sun set years and others who are considered too young to contract this condition such as children below the age of ten years (Miklowitz, 2008).

Bipolar disorder is considered a long-term condition that often begins gradually because it can take up to 10 years before the symptoms are visible. Usually, symptoms are only uncovered through diagnosis. This implies that bipolar disorder falls into the category of diseases such as diabetes and heart condition, which need to be managed throughout the affected persons lifetime (Serretti & Mandelli, 2008).

Bipolar patients experience irregular mood swings that range between exaggerated amusement and sadness (Srivastava & Ketter, 2010). This means that the patient can be extremely happy in one minute and the next minute the person looks dull. Such people are easily irritated and hence, should be handled with a lot of care and understanding.

These mood swings are not influenced by the events that are going on in their surroundings because their sadness or joy cannot be linked to anything. For instance, under normal circumstances, people laugh because something funny has been done or said, but to bipolar patients, joy and sadness alternate without a justifiable reason (Miklowitz, 2008).

Likewise, persons suffering from bipolar disorder tend to speak very fast during conversations like there is a matter of urgency. When they embark on making a statement, they hardly finish putting their point across because they encounter numerous distractions in their minds that cause them to divert from the topic of discussion (Kieseppa et al., 2004).

At the end of their conversations, there are so many half-complete stories. Moreover, they have a habit of setting unrealistic goals. This is caused by their thought of having unique abilities and hence they feel they can achieve goals that are deemed unachievable. This overconfidence causes them to handle more tasks beyond their capacity, such as assuming more roles at a go (Kato, 2007).

Furthermore, bipolar patients experience lack of sleep probably because they work for long hours. Nonetheless, they sleep for few hours due to the restlessness that keeps them up all night. Besides, they loose interest in activities that they previously enjoyed and in most occasions, they seem to be carried away due to their low level of concentration.

They are quite forgetful and hence tend to have varied opinion or fail to stick to an agreements terms due to their poor memory (Miklowitz, 2008). For instance, the infected person can schedule a meeting and later fail to avail him/herself without a good reason.

Effects of Bipolar Disorder

If a person suffering from bipolar is not diagnosed and the illness persists for a long time, the effects worsen with time. According to Miklowitz (2008), The behavioral and emotional experiences of the person with bipolar disorder affect everyone  the patients parents, spouse, siblings, and children (p. 5).

A bipolar individual is prone to getting into fights and arguments with friends and relatives including their spouse. In the end, their family ties are disintegrated. Similarly, their employers are hardly satisfied with their performance because they make avoidable mistakes, which may lead to dismissals.

This turn of events makes them to resort to abusing substances such as alcohol and other related drugs (Lam, Wright, & Smith, 2004). They abuse drugs in an attempt to divert their attention. They also experience hallucinations. Furthermore, patients who suffer from this condition are known to have thoughts of ending their own lives and hence, they are likely to commit suicide.

Other Diseases That Co-Exist With Bipolar

Bipolar disorder can go for a long time without being noticed because it exhibits symptoms common to related conditions. These illnesses include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social Phobia and attention de
cit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Lack of concentration and restlessness are very common in these diseases and hence one may be confused for the other. When this happens, the medical expert ends up prescribing treatment for the wrong ailment and thus the symptoms persist (Srivastava & Ketter, 2010).

Additionally, bipolar patients are prone to contracting thyroid illness, migraine headaches, heart disorders, diabetes and obesity. It is therefore advisable for patients to consult the doctor if their treatment is not making any positive progress. This will cause the doctor to carry out a thorough diagnosis that could probably unveil other underlying illnesses that could be hindering the effective treatment of bipolar (Miklowitz, 2008).

Risk Factors for Bipolar

There is no exact cause of bipolar disorder. However, several issues have been identified as major contributors to contracting the ailment. The generic background of an individual has been sighted as the major contributing factor. This implies that bipolar disorder is a hereditary ailment because it can be passed on from parents to their children (Mansell & Pedley, 2008).

People who hail from family backgrounds that have had a history of being affected by this disease are more likely to contract the ailment than their counterparts whose families have never had any brain disorder related to bipolar. Twins are also prone to contracting bipolar, but in most cases, its only one child among the pair that tests positive to bipolar diagnosis. This does not mean that the other child will also contract bipolar disease because each of them exists as an independent entity (Serretti & Mandelli, 2010).

Diagnosis of Bipolar

Unlike other illnesses, bipolar cannot be detected through evaluation of blood samples or brain screening. However, these tests can be carried out to unearth other underlying illnesses that could hinder effective treatment of bipolar. The condition is therefore best diagnosed through physical observation coupled with thorough interrogation of the patient (Miklowitz, 2008).

Psychiatrists are in a much better position to handle conditions like bipolar due to their expertise. The medical health practitioner should seek to obtain adequate information regarding the patients family history regarding bipolar disorder. If the condition of the patient does not favor interrogation, the practitioner should consult a close relative to the affected person such as brothers, sisters and spouse such as wife or husband. Previous medical records can also be referred to while probing the health history of the patient (Kieseppa et al., 2004).

Treatment of Bipolar

Bipolar is not curable, but it is manageable. People who stick to the prescribed medication are able to regulate mood swings and hence lead healthy productive lives (Serretti & Mandelli, 2008). It is important to note that bipolar is a condition that keeps on recurring and hence the patient has to be on medication for the rest of his/her life.

The medicine for treating bipolar is usually prescribed by licensed medical experts; it cannot be purchased without written prescription. Among the drugs that are used to treat bipolar include Lithium, Valproic acid, Anticonvulsant lamotrigine, Neurontin, and Topamax (Miklowitz, 2008).

Besides medication, bipolar can be treated through psychotherapy. In this form of treatment, the patient is offered emotional support through regular conversations. The patient is helped to stop his/her destructive habits by being made to understand the consequences of his/her actions. Alternatively, the therapy can take place at the family level where the family members counsel one of their own. However, Miklowitz (2008) argue that:

A close working relationship between the bipolar patient and his or her family members can not only address the multiple psychological problems that emerge in the context of this disorder, but can also facilitate the patients willingness to follow a prescribed medication regimen. (p. 6)

Similarly, people suffering from bipolar can undergo collective counseling on the effects of bipolar disorder. Moreover, psycho-education is reserved for people who suffer from bipolar disorder. The training empowers them to be in a position to manage this lifetime condition, and seek medical attention while there is still enough time. This reduces the impact of the disease on the patients (Kato, 2007).

References

Kato, T. (2007). Molecular genetics of bipolar disorder and depression. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 61(1), 3-19.

Kieseppa, T., et al. (2004). High concordance of bipolar I disorder in a nationwide sample of twins. American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(10), 1814-1821.

Lam, D., Wright, K., & Smith, N. (2004). Dysfunctional assumptions in bipolar disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 79(1-3), 193-199.

Mansell, W. & Pedley, R. (2008). The ascent into mania: A review of psychological processes associated with the development of manic symptoms. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(3), 494-520.

Miklowitz, D.J. (2008). Bipolar disorder: A family-focused treatment approach (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Serretti, A. & Mandelli, L. (2008). The genetics of bipolar disorder: Genome hot regions, genes, new potential candidates and future directions. Molecular Psychiatry, 13(8), 742-771.

Srivastava, S. & Ketter, T. A. (2010). The link between bipolar disorders and creativity: Evidence from personality and temperament studies. Current Psychiatry Reports, 12(6), 522-530.

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that alters brain functioning of the patients. In a study carried out in Washington, researchers tried to find out prevalence of treated bipolar disorder in the region. It was carried out in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). This essay summarizes the study, which focused on mental health issues.

Method of Study

A group of 294,284 patients who had been treated by HMO health care providers, and others, who had registered as health maintenance organization members, formed the basis of the study. Automated data was used to find out the total number of patients who had been treated for bipolar disorder between 1995 and 1996.

Computerized diagnosis of outpatient and inpatient visits and use of mood stabilizers was used to identify individuals who showed signs of bipolar disorder. A review of outpatient records was later conducted randomly in order to confirm validity of the procedure used to identify patients with bipolar disorder (Simon & Katon, 1998).

Results

The study showed that prevalence of treated bipolar disorder was at 42 percent. It was discovered that rates of treated bipolar disorder were higher in women, young people and families that were HMO members. In addition, women who were enrolled in individual plans that were part of HMO and Basic Health Plan programs for poor families exhibited higher rates of treated bipolar prevalence.

The total number of patients who were treated for bipolar disorder was 1,236. Out of this number, at least 93 percent had visited specialized mental health institutions. On the other hand, 86 percent had been given medication to stabilize their moods. The percentage that was treated with antidepressants, benzodiazepine or antipsychotic was small.

Importance of the Study

The study was important because bipolar disorder was a common mental condition that affected many people. It was therefore crucial to find out its prevalence since it affected a large number of women immediately they gave birth, something that exposed them to other illnesses. Despite the fact that a lot of work was required in order to manage individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it was important to recognize it early enough in order to administer medication.

The study was also important because it made it possible for patients who had been treated for bipolar disorder to be identified. The condition affected a large number of people, but some of them did not consider treatment, hence they did not seek medical attention in good time.

In addition, the study made it possible for health care providers to evaluate the kind of treatment patients who had visited mental health institutions received. This was important because different medications were essential when bipolar disorder patients exhibited certain symptoms.

Limitations of the Study

The first limitation that made the study difficult was lack of accurate records for patients who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This was due to the fact that some of them had not visited mental health institutions. As a result, health care providers could not get their actual numbers. The second limitation was risk of data loss because computerized systems were used to carry out the study.

Conclusions

After the study was conducted, it was concluded that the rate of bipolar treated prevalence in the HMO population was higher compared with the one that had been recorded for prepaid health schemes. However, large population surveys gave a lower estimate. Many patients who were treated received medication for mood stabilization and special services related to mental health.

Reference

Simon, G., & Katon, W. (1998). The treated prevalence of bipolar disorder in a large staff-model HMO.

Manic-depressive psychosis is a chronic disease of the affective sphere. Currently, this disorder is referred to as bipolar affective disorder (BAD). This disease is characterized by the presence of manic, depressive, as well as mixed episodes. However, during periods of remission (improvement of the course of the disease), the symptoms of the above phases almost completely disappear. Such periods of absence of manifestations of the disease are called intermissions. There are two phases of bipolar disorder: depressive and manic.

The BAD can manifest only as a manic phase, only depressive, or only hypomanic manifestations. The number of phases, as well as their change, is individual for each patient. They can last from several weeks to 1.5-2 years (Squarcina et al., 2017). Intermissions also have different durations: they can be quite short or last up to 3-7 years (Squarcina et al., 2017). The cessation of the attack leads to an almost complete restoration of mental well-being. With BAD, there is no formation of a defect (as with schizophrenia), as well as any other pronounced personality changes, even in the case of a long course of the disease and frequent occurrence and phase change. It should be noted that the patients disorders can be significantly pronounced, which can lead to professional and social maladaptation.

Epidemiology

Bipolar disorder often leads to disability; according to data, this is the 12th most common cause of disability. Due to the symptoms of BAD, more people become disabled than due to asthma, and almost as many as due to coronary heart disease. Modern research shows impressive figures  more than 5% of the population suffer from bipolar spectrum disorders (Squarcina et al., 2017). Due to the difficulties of diagnosis, people learn their diagnosis only 10 years after the initial treatment, which, of course, prevents timely treatment.

The first symptoms of bipolar disorder appear at a young age. In more than half of cases it happens up to 18 years, in the vast majority of cases  up to 30 years (Rowland et al., 2018). Most often, the first episode of the disease occurs in 15-25 years (Rowland et al., 2018). At the same time, the earlier the disease begins, the more severe it is. Bipolar disorder can manifest itself both in childhood and in old age, but it happens quite rarely. As a rule, the disorder begins with depression, although men often have hypomania first. On average, one person experiences 10 episodes in his life (in the absence of treatment). However, with a rapid change of cycles, there may be more than 50 attacks of the disease.

Gender Relationships

According to statistics, type I bipolar disorder occurs with the same frequency in men and women, and type I disease is more often diagnosed in women. It is also known that the female course of the disease is characterized by rapid cycles and mixed episodes (Patel et al., 2017). Comorbid pathologies are often eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, alcohol or drug addiction, as well as the abuse of psychotropic drugs. Women are more susceptible to such somatic diseases as migraine (intense headaches), thyroid pathology, diabetes, obesity.

Men, on average, get sick about one and a half times less often than women, but they have a more complicated disease. Traditionally, men are recognized as less emotional than women. The initial period of the disease is characterized by shallow sleep, a sharp change in emotional status. Unlike women, representatives of the stronger half often suffer from a manic episode at the beginning of the disease (Patel et al., 2017). In some cases, there is a decrease in libido, sexual function is impaired. In men, in particular, a mixed type of bipolar disorder is more common. Also, unlike women, men with diagnosed bipolar disorder have periods of depression and mania lasting about the same time. It is not uncommon for bipolar disorder in men to occur against the background of frequent alcohol consumption.

Cultural Relationships

The latest medical theory connects the disease with changes in the brain, and medical practice considers pharmacological drugs to be the most effective means. Nevertheless, the growing number of people with bipolar disorder and their desire to find themselves in the world is a product of the cultural realities of modern society. The culture of industrial society creates conditions for the widespread emergence of bipolar (manic-depressive) personalities (Rowland et al., 2018). In the early stages of industrialization, there was a massive demand for a disciplined worker capable of performing monotonous work in the office and in the factory. Therefore, the normalization of those who did not meet the norm consisted of hospitalization and coercive measures of influence.

On the contrary, when industrialization reached its modern stage and monotonous work began to be performed by a robot and a computer, there was no need for coercion. Instead, it needed a creative worker who was able to cope with a large volume of extraordinary tasks in the shortest possible time, showing flexibility and the ability to act in an ever-changing environment. In essence, it demands a restless creator  a manic type of personality, energetic and unstoppable, drawing endless reserves of energy from the depths of oneself.

Pathophysiology

The study of the pathophysiology of bipolar affective disorder was also carried out on animals, in particular, mice, in which hyperactivity was induced with the help of amphetamine, while experimental mice had not only states resembling mania or some psychoses, at least with manifestations of psychomotor agitation. Another potential model of mania generation in mice was caused by a change in a gene that plays an important role in the generation of circadian rhythms. Patterns resembling mania in experimental mice included a decrease in sleep duration and an increase in activity, as well as an increase in the rewarding effect of cocaine. These changes in the mental state of the mice disappeared after the use of lithium.

Another approach to the study of the pathophysiology of bipolar affective disorder is post-mortem studies of the brain of patients suffering from bipolar affective disorder. These studies showed a decrease in the density and morphology of oligodendrocytes. Other studies have shown changes in gene expression. It should be noted that in such studies it is difficult to differentiate the effect of medications from the consequences of bipolar affective disorder. Some authors noted here a change in the regulation of genes responsible for the processes of myelination, and changes in oligodendrocytes resembled those that were noted in post-mortem studies of the brain of patients with schizophrenia. Recent post-mortem studies show changes in acetylation histones in some patients with bipolar affective disorder.

Current Treatment Options

The course of the BAD is influenced by three factors  biological, psychological and social. To minimize the impact of bipolar affective disorder on patients life as much as possible, you need to take control of all three factors. Work on the biological factor includes taking medications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In the treatment of BAD, the main role is played by drugs for mood stabilization  normotimics (lithium salts, some anticonvulsants (anticonvulsants) and antipsychotics of new generations). Supportive and preventive therapy is a long-term use of medications (antidepressants in combination with normotimics).

The disease can also resume from external influences  personal conflicts, stress and overload, so many patients also attend psychotherapy. It helps to regulate and take control of the psychological factor. The recommended type of psychotherapy for bipolar affective disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychotherapy promotes the development and harmonization of personality, which prevents the occurrence of some stressful situations (conflicts, destructive relationships).

Article Review

The authors of the article note that with an early diagnosis of BAD, it would be possible to treat the disease more effectively, and also emphasize the lack of research on the issue of treatment of BAD. Epidemiological studies suggest that the prevalence of bipolar disorder in childhood and adolescence is 1% (Youngstrom et al., 2017, p. 244). The article states that the clinical manifestations of bipolar disorder in prepubescent and early adolescence may differ from the manifestations of the disease in older adolescents and adults. Periods of depression alternating with euphoria, megalomania, high levels of activation, rapid confused speech, distractibility, hypersexuality, hyper religiousness, extravagance, hallucinations and delirium are characteristic of classical bipolar disorder; such a typical clinical pattern occurs, as a rule, in late adolescence and in adults. In 70% of these cases, a carefully collected anamnesis reveals at least one episode of depression preceding manic symptoms (Youngstrom et al., 2017). The authors single out the diagnosis of the early onset of symptoms of bipolar disorder as a space for further research.

References

Patel, R. S., Virani, S., Saeed, H., Nimmagadda, S., Talukdar, J., & Youssef, N. A. (2017). Gender differences and comorbidities in U.S. adults with bipolar disorder. Brain Sciences, 8(168), 1-11. doi: 10.3390/brainsci8090168

Rowland, T. A., & Marwaha, S. (2018). Epidemiology and risk factors for bipolar disorder. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 8(9), 251-269.doi: 10.1177/2045125318769235

Squarcina, S., Bellani, M., Rossetti, M. G., Perlini, C., Delvecchio, G., Dusi, N., & Brambilla, P. (2017). Similar white matter changes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: A tract-based spatial statistics study. PLOS ONE, 12(6), 1-17. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178089

Youngstrom, E. A., Halverson, T. F., Youngstrom, J. K., Lindhiem, O., & Findling, R. L. (2017). Evidence-based assessment from simple clinical judgments to statistical learning: Evaluating a range of options using pediatric bipolar disorder as a diagnostic challenge. Clinical Psychology Science, 6(2), 243-265. doi: 10.1177/2167702617741845

Overview of the Case

Bipolar disorder is a mental disease that produces unexpected changes in mood, stamina, activity levels, attention, and capacity to carry out daily activities. Symptoms of manic and depressive episodes may coexist in a dissociative fugue as the disease progresses (Albashrawi, 2019). Bipolar disorder is usually identified in late teens or early adulthood as is in the case of Cheryl R. Bipolar symptoms in children are rare. Bipolar disorder may develop during or after pregnancy. Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that needs lifetime therapy. The right medication may help individuals manage symptoms and enhance their quality of life. (Paris, 2017).

Target Symptoms

People with bipolar illness have times of abnormally strong mood, changes in sleep and activity patterns, and odd actions, frequently without realizing the consequences. According to Albashrawi (2019), mood episodes are at different intervals of time. Mood episodes are distinct from the persons normal emotions and actions. Symptoms persist most of the time throughout an episode, which may last a day or a week.

• Gloomy mood
• Decreased enjoyment or interest in almost all activities
• Substantial weight loss or gain, or appetite loss or gain
• Insomnia vs. Hyper
• Psychomotor agitation
• A lack of energy
• Dejection or undue guilt
• Inability to concentrate or extreme indecision
• Suicidal thoughts or plans; the patient has tried or planned suicide.

Medication Treatment Plan

According to Paris (2017), the management of bipolar disorder depends on the intensity of the episode and may include both psychotherapy and medication. An essential consideration is if the patients current medicines are triggering the incident. The antidepressants are discontinued and other mania-inducing drugs if such incidents occur. Antidepressants with discontinuation symptoms should be reduced over weeks as treatment with fluoxetine continues.

Elaboration on One Question Regarding the Case Study

Symptoms of a hypomanic episode include being inflated, expansive, and irritable for at least four days, as well as feeling irritable (Paris, 2017). In hypomania, however, symptoms are not severe enough to impede social or vocational functioning or require hospitalization, as in the case of Cheryl R, nor are they linked with psychosis. The most common and devastating form of bipolar illness is bipolar depression which is evident in the case subject, Cheryl R. More effective and safe therapies are urgently required and hence the recommended use of fluoxetine.

Reference

Albashrawi, B. (2019). An effective CBT technique for bipolar disorder.Bipolar Disorder: Open Access, 04, 22-36.

Paris, J. (2017). Differential diagnosis of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. Bipolar Disorders, 19(7), 605.

Description

Bipolar disorder is a mentally based disease that mainly affects an individuals reaction to different situations. In this case, a person can experience moods at the extremes hence the significant highs and lows (Douglas et al., 2018). It is an issue that risks the healthy growth and development, which is mainly attributed to the eventual depression or mania influencing the motivational level in different engagements.

Prevalence

Bipolar disorder is a prevalent issue among Americans mainly because of the high rates of depression from financial and health strains. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2017), at least 2.8% of the total adult population in America suffers from bipolar disorder. Further, the research establishes that in 2016 at least 2.9% of the adolescent American population had bipolar disorder, while at least 2.6 % suffered impairment from bipolar disorder (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017). Therefore, bipolar disorder is a prevalent issue in America due to the widespread incidence of depression.

Causes and Risk Factors

The main cause for bipolar disease is depression and drug addiction caused by the stress fostered to the brain and the production of hormones. The increase in stress and substance abuse enhances the bodys reaction along the gradient of the different types of moods. Furthermore, a close relative with bipolar disease is a risk factor to the well-being of an individual, which is crucial to consider in the treatment management plan (Yapici Eser et al., 2018). Primarily, it is essential to establish an effective treatment management plan that positively affects the well-being of relatives and friends.

Ways to Help

The key solution and treatment of an individual with bipolar disease involve focusing on the management of stress and the therapeutic environment. The lack of a therapeutic environment disorients the individual and increases the risks of bipolar disorder due to elevated stress. Although bipolar disorder lacks a cure, it is vital to develop an effective management plan for the disease. Bipolar disorder is a prevalent issue in America that demands attention from healthcare practitioners based on the best treatment strategy.

References

Douglas, K. M., Gallagher, P., Robinson, L. J., Carter, J. D., McIntosh, V. V., Frampton, C. M., Watson, S., Young, A., Ferrier, N., & Porter, R. J. (2018). Prevalence of cognitive impairment in major depression and bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorders, 20(3), 260-274. Web.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2017). Bipolar Disorder. Web.

Yapici Eser, H., Kacar, A. S., Kilciksiz, C. M., Yalçinay-Inan, M., & Ongur, D. (2018). Prevalence and associated features of anxiety disorder comorbidity in bipolar disorder: A meta-analysis and meta-regression study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 229. Web.

Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness marked by mood fluctuations that are out of the ordinary, as well as changes in energy and capacity to operate. Unlike typical mood swings, which everyone experiences, the symptoms of bipolar illness may be quite significant. In some situations, the first signs and symptoms show as early as childhood, while in others, symptoms are not discovered until a later age (Rowland & Marwaha, 2018). Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed, and many must suffer for years before being properly identified and receiving the appropriate therapy. The bipolar disease produces mood swings that range from anger and irritation to helplessness, followed by a return to their original condition and, in many cases, periods of normal mood in between (Rowland & Marwaha, 2018). Bipolar disorder is not always triggered by mental illness; it can also be caused by substance addiction, academic or job failure, and strained private life.

From a clinical standpoint, the most prevalent categorization of bipolar disorder is into unipolar variations (manic or depressed), bipolar with a predominance of manic or depression periods, and distinctively bipolar, with nearly equal phases (Rowland & Marwaha, 2018). As a result, only a phase of periodic mania  in which only manic episodes alternate  or a phase of periodic depression  in which only depressed phases alternate  can be present over the course of the condition. They can also combine so that the depressed phase can start after the manic phase, and the manic phase can be replaced by itself in some situations.

Most persons with bipolar illness, even those with the most severe kinds, can stabilize their mood swings and other symptoms with the correct therapy. Because bipolar disorder is recurring, prevention is not only necessary but also strongly advised (Schug & Fradella, 2015). The best treatment is a combination of medicine and psychotherapy. Psychosocial approaches, such as specific types of psychotherapy, are indicated in addition to pharmacological treatment (Rowland & Marwaha, 2018). Although mania and depression episodes come and go, it is vital to remember that bipolar disorder is a long-term illness for which there is presently no solution. The only way to keep this condition under control is to take drugs all the time, even when the condition is seemingly better.

The prevalence rate of the disease is high, and due to difficulties in the diagnosis, the exact numbers can be bigger. More than 45 million people all over the world are suffering from bipolar disorder, while annually, more than 2 percent of the US population is diagnosed with it (Singlecare, 2021). The most vulnerable group to the disease is youth (from 18 to 25 years); they have the highest statistic of bipolar disorder (Singlecare, 2021). Thus, with the existing difficulties of diagnosing bipolar disorder and considering the fact that it is almost uncurable, the severity of this disease and its impact is hard to overestimate.

The connection between bipolar disorder and the criminal justice system, as well as crime in general, is obvious. Bipolar disorder, especially when untreated properly, served as a major catalyst in a number of crimes, including one of the most critical issues in the USA  school shootings (Rowland & Marwaha, 2018). In the criminal justice system, bipolar disorder, like other mental illnesses, is an affirmative defense in criminal cases, stating that the accused is not liable for his acts because he was suffering from episodic or persistent mental illness at the time of the crime (Schug & Fradella, 2015). The prevention of the development of bipolar disorder (especially in its manic phase) has to be the priority of criminal justice systems, working together with rehabilitation centers and other healthcare system organizations.

References

Rowland, T. A., & Marwaha, S. (2018). Epidemiology and risk factors for bipolar disorder. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 8(9), 251-269.

Schug, R. A., & Fradella, H. F. (2015). Mental illness and crime. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Singlecare. (2021). Bipolar disorder statistics 2021. Web.

Abstract

This paper includes the comparison and contrast of schizophrenia disorder pathology from multiple resources, as well as data obtained from clinical sites at Harris Health Psychiatric Center. The paper will discuss pertinent lab tests and diagnostic studies upon availability and the significance of each; a care plan with three nursing diagnoses, a short-term goal with interventions for each, and a long-term goal with one discharge teaching plan for each are included in this paper. Information retrieved from 2 journal articles on schizoaffective disease formulated in content. This paper exemplifies schizoaffective disorder and the major components of the disorder.

Disease Pathology Compare/Contrast

According to Videbeck (2014), “Schizoaffective disorder is diagnosed when the client is severely ill and has a mixture of psychotic and mood. The symptoms may occur simultaneously or may alternate between psychotic episodes (p. 266). While observing and interviewing a patient at Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC) diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, multiple symptoms related to the disorder were demonstrated. The patient was admitted to the hospital for depression and having bizarre behavior thoughts. The patient thought people were talking about him when there was no one around him. The patient states that when he does not take his medicine, he “starts getting out of control.” This patient started yelling out and disturbing his family until his family felt the need to bring him to the hospital. His primary diagnosis at the time of admission was schizoaffective disorder.

Characteristics

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Social isolation
• Bizarre behavior/thoughts
• Poor hygiene
• Suicidal thoughts
• Paranoia
• Difficulty sleeping at night
• Language and thought process

This patient at HCPC states, “do not like acting out only occurs when out of medication.” (HCPC, personal communication, September 2018).

Procedures

Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions. As a result, there are no large-scale epidemiological data worldwide. Prevalence or incident of schizoaffective disorder is estimated to be less common than schizophrenia. This disorder affects between 2 and 5 people out of every 1,000 people and is more common in women (Videbeck, 2014).

Course

The course of schizoaffective disorder usually features a cycle of severe symptoms followed by improvement with fewer symptoms. The disorder is usually lifelong. There is hope for individuals with schizoaffective disorder. Symptoms will improve over a present lifetime. The patient at Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC) stated that when properly medicated, the symptoms related to the disease are less severe (Videbeck, 2014).

Etiology

Most studies cluster schizoaffective disorder together with schizophrenia or bipolar disease. The symptoms may alternate psychotic and mood disorder symptoms. “Some studies report that long-term outcomes for the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder are like those for bipolar” (Videbeck, 2014, p . 268). This is an organic disease with underlying physical brain pathology. “Some therapist still believes this type of disorder results from dysfunctional parenting or family dynamics. Newer scientific studies began to demonstrate a form of brain dysfunction. These neurochemical/neurologic theories are supported by the effects of antipsychotic medication, which help control psychotic symptoms” (Videbeck, 2014, p. 68).

The patient has no job and no medical insurance, which often makes it difficult to schedule appropriate doctor appointments and maintain a medication regimen (HCPC, personal communication, September 2018).

Treatment

It is very important that the patient carry out and respond to treatment as ordered. It is a combination of medications and counseling. When necessary, some therapy and psychotherapy, psychoeducation, family therapy, group therapy, life skills training, and hospitalization at times. Medication used for treatment includes antipsychotic medication for delusion and hallucination episodes and mood stabilators for antidepressant disorder. Proper education is ongoing. Most importantly, it promotes safety and knows about their disorder and the many side effects that can occur. Maintenance therapy is also beneficial to the well-being of individuals with schizoaffective disorder (Skelton et al., 2015).

Prognosis

Individuals with schizoaffective disorder, as stated by a patient at Harris County Psychiatric Hospital (HCPC), function better when following a medication regimen properly as prescribed by a physician. Medication and therapies work best when used together for better response. Schizoaffective patients have a more positive outcome when prescribed neuroleptic and anticholinergic. They will demonstrate less severe depressive symptoms than mood disorder patients (Evans, 1999).

Pertinent Lab Data and Diagnostic

Lab results and diagnostics studies are relevant to indicate an underlying cause, such as any abnormalities in lab results and diagnostic testing. For example, certain drugs and comorbidities may interact and trigger unexpected onset and negative behaviors. The patient at HCPC did not have any labs or diagnostics available in the chart.

Physician Order and Teaching

1. Sertraline 200 mg PO daily for depression. Before taking sertraline liquid concentrate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex.
2. Risperidone 2 mg PO twice daily for schizophrenia / bipolar disorder. Advise the patient to report suicidal thoughts.
3. Metformin 500 mg po daily to treat type 2 diabetes/overweight. It is important to take metformin with food to reduce stomach-related side effects.
4. Benztropine 1 mg op daily for acute dystonic reaction. Teach patients and family that it may cause drowsiness or dizziness, and frequent mouth care may cause dry mouth.
5. Teach the patient and family to notify the health care team of any signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts or ideations.

Care Plan

1. Disturbed personal identity related to bizarre behavior as evidenced by the patient stating, “yelling out I get paranoid thinking someone is talking to me when no one is there” (HCPC, personal communication, September 2018).Short-term goal: The patient will control bizarre behavior.

Subjective: The patient states he feels much better when he takes his medication.

Objective: The patient talks to me himself when sitting alone.

Assessment: The patient wants to continue his medication.

Plan: The patient is planning to apply for financial assistance to help pay for medication.

Long-term goal: The patient will get the financial help he needs to maintain the medication regimen as prescribed.

Teaching: Re-educate patients on how important it is to take medication and schedule routine doctor appointments.

Interventions: Promote safety at all times. Explain the major side effects of medication and notify the healthcare team of any suicidal thoughts (Schultz, 2013).

2. Social Isolation related to delusional thinking as evidenced by sitting in a room alone.

Short-term goal: The patient will verbalize what he is thinking during the open-ended conversation.

Subject: Patient states, “I hear voices at night sometimes when I’m sleeping” (HCPC, personal communication, September 2018).

Objective: The patient sits in his room alone, not interacting with others.

Assessment: The patient states that he will attend group therapy at the next meeting.

Plan: The patient will allow the therapist to interview him briefly and go outside with others

Long-term goal: The patient will interact more with others. Taking it one day at a time.

Discharge Teaching: Teach the patient to verbalize concerns, participate, and ask questions within the group. Notify the healthcare team of any concerns (Schultz, 2013).

Interventions: Encourage the patient to enjoy life. Support the patient, redirect them to develop a positive attitude, and present the patient with resources that will guide them to maintain positive thoughts (Schultz, 2013).

3. Insomnia related to delusional thinking, as evidenced by the client not being able to sleep at night.

Short-term goal: Patient will rest well at night while hospitalized.

Subjective: The patient states, “Sometimes I can’t sleep because I hear voices” (HCPC, personal communication, September 2018).

Assessment: The patient knows with proper rest, he will feel better.

Plan: The patient is willing to take medication as prescribed so he can remain calm and rest better at night.

Long-term goal: The patient will take his medication as prescribed and get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.

Teaching: The nurse will educate the patient that proper rest is important.

Conclusion

The nurse will set standards for why proper rest is important for the mind and body. The nurse will provide in-service and keynotes on proper rest methods and relaxation therapy. The patient will verbalize concerns and be willing to obtain proper sleep to decrease stress levels and maintain a productive life.

References

1. Skelton, M., Khokwar, A., & Thacker, D. (2015). Schizoaffective disorder. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482450/
2. Evans, J. D. (1999). Course and outcome of schizophrenia. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 20(10), 1-6.
3. Schultz, S. (2013). Psychiatric nursing care plans (5th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness. This is an illness that several Americans have and suffer from each year. Bipolar disorder may be triggered by unfortunate events and stressful experiences. Mood swings usually accompany this disorder. Individuals will oftentimes go from frequent shifts of highs and lows. This reoccurrence and severity may differ from patient to patient. Bipolar is usually treated with medication. There are several different types of medication that a clinician may choose to administer to their patient, depending on their symptoms. Clinicians are advised to see patients regularly and make adjustments to medication as needed. Many people recover and can function normally again, but not everyone has that luxury.

Introduction

The reason why I wanted to research bipolar disorder is because I have a close friend who suffers from a minor form of bipolar disorder. I also find this disorder fascinating, and I wanted to research more about it.

A study reports that bipolar disorder 1 is an illness that is in the brain. This disorder usually surfaces when many episodes of mania and depression occur. This will happen in many intervals, so not all at the same time. Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder struggle with having full brain factuality (Pinto et al., 2020). Bipolar is a widespread issue. This mental issue is all-encompassing and is difficult to manage. Bipolar disorders affect all aspects of life, including physical health, relationships, family life, and so much more. Those who have bipolar disorder may have a hard time keeping even a part-time job.

These individuals may also have a hard time keeping sustainable relationships going. With the constant emotional changes, it can be hard for these individuals to have a normal life. It cannot be understated how difficult this mental illness can be for patients who have this disorder. It is important to know the symptoms of this mental illness. Symptoms of this mental illness will be explored in this paper. It is also very important to know the treatment for this mental illness. What are some things we already know about treating bipolar disorder? Treatment of this mental illness will also be explored in this paper.

Symptoms

A study reported personality traits that are usually found in individuals who have bipolar disorder have symptoms of mania and depression. Mania is part of the brain that is involved with negative agreeableness. Depression, on the other hand, is connected with negative extraversion. These two combined often lead to bipolar disorder. It is a pattern of mania and depression reassuringly affecting the individual in episodes. Mania is the more common of the two. Most, if not all, individuals who have bipolar will show symptoms of mania, but not all will have depression symptoms (Quilty et al., 2009).

Earlier, it was discussed that mania causes negative agreeableness, and depression causes negative extraversion. There are five total variations in personality. The five are neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness. These five come from The Five Factor Model. Extraversion has a lot to do with how someone will socialize with others and how excited or optimistic they are about something. Agreeableness is about how individuals feel toward others; it involves whether someone trusts others or not.

Is this individual able to get along with others? These are things that individuals with bipolar disorder may have a hard time with (Quilty et al., 2009). As explained before, those individuals with bipolar disorder have a lower amount of extraversion and agreeableness than those who do not suffer from this disorder. Individuals who have bipolar disorder are going to often have a harder time getting along with others and developing strong relationships than those who do not have this disorder. The personality traits that help people have social relationships and trust others are less in effect with this disorder.

Another research article explains mania and depression in a slightly different way. It reports changes in mood and emotion so frequently are known as “mood swings.” Specifically, mania is the high part of that mood swing. That is when the individual is feeling good or excited about life. At the same time, the low part of the mood swings is depression. This is when the individual is feeling down or sad. Energy levels are a lot lower here. This rapid switch between these highs and lows is a symptom of bipolar disorder. This can be disconcerting for friends and family who are close to the individual who suffers from bipolar disorder (Bipolar disorder – Symptoms, 2004).

Another study talks about specific symptoms that are found in adolescents who are later diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. This article reports that we are not spending enough time examining “mood instability.” Keeping track of mood instability is very important because severe fluctuations in mood like this can be dangerous. Some dangerous thoughts could even lead to suicidal behavior (O’Donnell et al., 2018). Studies also have shown that it is particularly important that we treat children who have these mood disorders. The younger the person who is diagnosed with this mental illness, the disorder is more severe. This cannot be treated lightly.

Adolescents are susceptible to having this disorder. They are usually going to show symptoms of mood instability. Symptoms can show up in a five-year period, suicide attempts, aggressive behavior, psychotic symptoms, and higher than usual levels of cyclothymic temperament. These specific symptoms can give clues to the clinician that this adolescent may be suffering from a bipolar disorder (O’Donnell et al., 2018). This research shows that symptoms of bipolar disorder not only show up in adults but also can appear in children and adolescents. It is important to be aware of these symptoms so knowledge can be acquired of what these symptoms mean collectively. The sooner an individual can receive help and safe medication, the hopes of their recovery increase. This is very good news for those patients who have bipolar disorder. There can be better days ahead when they are not controlled by this mental illness.

Findings from an article report that those with bipolar and who have high levels of mania have a decreased ability to detect sad or negative facial expressions. Examples of some of the facial expressions they have a hard time detecting are sadness, disgust, and fear. In comparison to this contrast, those individuals who have high levels of depression have an overwhelming ability to detect these same facial expressions. In fact, they may believe they are seeing sad or disgusted facial expressions when, in reality, they are not. They have a harder time distinguishing between happy and sad facial expressions (Zhang et al., 2018). This research makes sense because oftentimes times, humans will portray how they are feeling on the inside to their outer experiences. Those who are not mentally stable may assume that they feel the same way as everyone else.

Treatment

A form of treatment for bipolar disorder is medication that is taken orally. Individuals usually are prescribed for mediation by their psychologist or clinician. According to an article talking about treatment for bipolar disorder, it states that there is a wide range of choices when it comes to pharmacological or medication options. Unfortunately, though, even with this wide range of variability, there is still only a small amount of individuals who recover within a year of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder (Pinto et al., 2020). There is research done on bipolar disorders and how to treat them, but more research needs to be done to widen the knowledge for treating this disorder. It can be difficult for clinicians to always diagnose the perfect medication for each patient every time.

Another article reports that there is a Mood Disorder Questionnaire that can help psychologists screen where individuals are on the spectrum of bipolar disorder. Research has been done on this questionnaire, and it suggested that this screening can help boost sensitivity where the risk of bipolar disorder is higher (Dumont et al., 2020). Screening tools are usually used when individuals are first diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Psychologists want to learn where on the spectrum these individuals are. This knowledge can help them properly diagnose a medication that will hopefully help individuals with bipolar disorder. Questionnaires are not always foolproof, but they can be helpful to guide clinicians in the right direction.

A study finds that in order for medication to be successful for those who have bipolar, clinicians must see their patients regularly and make any adjustments that are needed. Clinicians need to focus on whether the medication that has been prescribed is working as it should or if it needs to be changed in any way. Clinicians may change medications if there is a negative side effect, a negative response, or no response to the medication that was prescribed to the patient. If changes are not made, the patient experiencing these responses may stop taking their medication because it is not helping. Other times, there is nothing wrong with the drug that is being administered; sometimes, it is the patient who may display new or more serious symptoms that then need a stronger medication to treat. That is why it is so important that clinicians keep a close eye on their patients (Hodgkin et al., 2018). It is not uncommon for doctors in any medical profession to need to change medication for their patients sometimes. It can be difficult to properly prescribe a perfect medication to each patient all of the time.

Challenges in Medication Management

A very informational article that I found talked about several potential drugs that may affect function and could be used for patients with bipolar disorder. Lithium has a low chance of improving functioning mainly because it could have adverse effects. Also, previous studies have been done on Lithium, and they suggest that it can decrease suicidal behavior. Another drug listed is Valproate. It is known to be pretty effective for several patients. It also can help patients who have issues with irritability. Valproate can also help with cognitional function.

This drug may cause weight gain, but other than that, Valproate has fewer negative effects than other drugs that are commonly used for bipolar disorder. Another drug that can be used is called Quetiapine. This drug does prove to increase functioning. It can have benefits for depression and mania. Fortunately, this drug can also help with sleep problems and can help enhance cognitive functioning (Bowden & Singh, 2006). This article shows that there are many kinds of medications that can be prescribed to patients with bipolar disorder. Clinicians must think about the pros and cons of each drug. Clinicians also must decide which medication will fit each patient for their individual needs.

Another research study talks about how they studied two drugs to see how effective they would be on patients with bipolar disorder. They found that amphetamine and methylphenidate are pretty effective drugs for those who have bipolar disorder. These drugs were well received by the group that was given them. There were little to no adverse effects from either drug. Most of the patients stayed on stimulants, and this led to their improvement. The success of the individuals who were involved was significant. Many were able to go back to have productive lives because of their recovery. There were a couple that did not react as well to the drug, and they did not benefit from it (Carlson et al., 2004).

Conclusion

In conclusion, bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is primarily known for two major symptoms. The first symptom is mania. This is when a patient will feel extreme highs, like very excited and an elevated feeling. And then suddenly, the same patient will feel extreme sadness. This is the low part of the spectrum, also known as depression. Patients with bipolar disorder experience this swing of highs and lows more often than people who do not have bipolar disorder. The severity and frequency of these mood fluctuations differ from each patient, but it is this pattern that is most often seen.

Adults have bipolar disorder, but even children and adolescents can be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Treatment for this mental disorder may differ depending on the patient and their specific symptoms, but the most common form of treatment for this disorder is medication. The medication that is diagnosed for patients with bipolar disorder has a very wide range. Clinicians can choose which medication they think would work best for their patients. There are questionnaires that can be given to help clinicians make a good choice. Even when this choice is made, though, clinicians may need to go back and revisit their patient’s medication and change it if necessary. Bipolar disorder can be treated, and there are many patients who have had recoveries and now live very normal lives.

References

1. Bowden, C., & Singh, V. (2006). Bipolar disorders: Treatment options and patient satisfaction. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 2(2), 149–153. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uvu.edu/10.2147/nedt.2006.2.2.149
2. Bipolar disorder – Symptoms and help for a loved one. (2004). South African Psychiatry Review, 7(2), 35–36
3. Carlson, P. J., Merlock, M. C., & Suppes, T. (2004). Adjunctive stimulant use in patients with bipolar disorder: treatment of residual depression and sedation. Bipolar Disorders, 6(5), 416–420. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uvu.edu/10.1111/j.1399-5618.2004.00132.x
4. Dumont, C. M., Sheridan, L. M., Besancon, E. K., Blattner, M., Lopes, F., Kassem, L., & McMahon, F. J. (2020). Validity of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) as a screening tool for bipolar spectrum disorders in anabaptist populations. Journal of Psychiatric Research, pp. 123, 159–163. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uvu.edu/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.01.011
5. Hodgkin, D., Stewart, M. T., Merrick, E. L., Pogue, Y. Z., Reilly-Harrington, N. A., Sylvia, L. G., Deckersbach, T., & Nierenberg, A. A. (2018). Prevalence and predictors of physician recommendations for medication adjustment in bipolar disorder treatment. Journal of Affective Disorders, 238, 666–673. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uvu.edu/10.1016/j.jad.2018.06.012
6. O’Donnell, L. A., Ellis, A. J., Van de Loo, M. M., Stange, J. P., Axelson, D. A., Kowatch, R. A., Schneck, C. D., & Miklowitz, D. J. (2018). Mood instability as a predictor of clinical and functional outcomes in adolescents with bipolar I and bipolar II disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, pp. 236, 199–206. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uvu.edu/10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.021
7. Pinto, J. V., Saraf, G., Kozicky, J., Beaulieu, S., Sharma, V., Parikh, S. V., Cervantes, P., Daigneault, A., Walji, N., Kauer-Sant’Anna, M., & Yatham, L. N. (2020). Remission and recurrence in bipolar disorder: The data from Health Outcomes and Patient Evaluations in Bipolar Disorder (HOPE-BD) study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 268, 150–157. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uvu.edu/10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.018
8. Quilty, L. C., Sellbom, M., Tackett, J. L., & Bagby, R. M. (2009). Personality trait predictors of bipolar disorder symptoms. Psychiatry Research, 169(2), 159–163. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uvu.edu/10.1016/j.psychres.2008.07.004
9. Zhang, B., Wang, C., Ma, G., Fan, H., Wang, J., & Wang, W. (2018). Cerebral processing of facial emotions in bipolar I and II disorders: An event-related potential study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 236, 37–44. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uvu.edu/10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.098