Bipolar disorders Essay Example For Students

Bipolar disorders Essay The phenomenon of bipolar affective disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century.History has shown that this affliction can appear in almost anyone. Even the great painterVincent Van Gogh is believed to have had bipolar disorder. It is clear that in our society many people live with bipolar disorder; however, despite the abundance of people suffering from the it, we are still waiting for definite explanations for the causes and cure.The one fact of which we are painfully aware is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success. Because bipolardisorder has such debilitating symptoms, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in the quest for explanations of its causes and treatment. Affective disorders are characterized by a smorgasbord of symptoms that can be broken into manic and depressive episodes. The depressive episodes are characterized by intense feelings of sadness and despair that can become feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Some of the symptoms of a depressive episode include anhedonia, disturbances in sleep and appetite, psycomoter retardation, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, difficulty thinking, indecision, and recurrent thoughts of death and suicide (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ). The manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, poor judgment and insight, and often reckless or irresponsible behavior (Hollandsworth, Jr. A bad attitude can be an after effect of these early life traumas and abuses. An example of this is Lauren: at four years old she had been chained to a car door and while chained was attempting to care for her younger brother who was then two years old. Her mother, a cocaine abuser, had not tended to the children in several days. Various family members undertook the task of caring for her, but her forceful and unmanageable tendencies wore them down and they were forced to pass her on to another relative. Mood swings are also common among those suffering from bipolar disorder. These are more drastic than those normal people experience. Normal teenagers have mood swings quite frequently; the causes can range from trouble with family, friends and boy or girl friends. These things can also cause mood swings of those suffering from manic depression, however, on a very different scale. Problems are amplified and often the beginning signs are withdrawal from family and friends, sleeping more, and trouble in school. Spotting the difference between mood swings that need to be taken seriously can be a life-altering decision made by a professional. Treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy can improve the mental state of those with this disorder. There are many signs of the manic stage of bipolar disorder. Some of these are apparent and, on the other hand, many are discreet. An increased energy, activity and restlessness occur, along with racing thoughts and rapid talking. A person experiencing mania has an excessive high, or euphoric outlook on life, and an unrealistic belief in their own abilities and powers. This person may also have a decreased need for sleep. Many times a person in the manic stage is extremely irritable and easily distracted. This person shows uncharacteristically poor judgement and a sustained period of behavior that is different from their usual self. A manic person, along with all of these experiences an increase in sexual drive, abuse of drugs (particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications), aggressive behavior, and a denial that anything is wrong. These can all be serous signs of a problem and could possibly be life threatening. There are also many signs of depression that can be looked for. These can include a persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood, with feelings that one is hopeless. A depressed person feels restless and irritable, and is plagued by a constant feeling of fatigue. Depression makes it difficult to concentrate on and remember things, thus making decision making a difficult process. Military Organizational Structure Essay A person in this state may also feel as if they are worthless and helpless. A loss of interest in pleasurable activities occurs, this can also include sex. Depression can also lead to loss of appetite and weight, however sometimes it can lead to weight gain, and can lead to chronic pain and bodily symptoms not associated with a physical disease. A very unfortunate sign of depression can be suicidal thoughts, and sometimes these lead to suicidal attempts. It is very important that these signs be recognized. .