Table of Contents Page 2... What To Know For Bipolar Disorder Page 4... Depressive Phase of Bipolar Disorder + Manic Episodes Page 5... Important Facts About Bipolar Disorder Page 6... The Factors behind Bipolar Disorder Page 8 ​How to Help Someone with Bipolar Disorder Page 9... Diagnosed Bipolar Disorder Case Study Page 10‌ Works Cited
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​What To Know For Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a condition characterized by two main moods. People who have this disorder go through bouts of mania and depression; which are opposites, emotionally. There is no cure, however the effects of bipolar disorder can be lessened with the help of treatments like medication and therapy. Bipolar disorder is defined by mood swings that go from manic to depressive and stay at each from days to weeks on end. The manic phase is characterized by having excessive amounts of energy, racing thoughts, delusions of grandeur or godlike strength, and having hyper-functioning senses. During the manic phase, people usually start new projects and work long hours, as they have too much energy than they know what to do with. Hypomania is what some sufferers of bipolar disorder feel rather than mania. Similar to mania; however the person suffering from it feels a state of heightened euphoria and is easily irritated. It is less severe than full mania by far, but still keeps some of its effects. The depressive phase is, as its name reveals, depression; with symptoms of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness or crying for no apparent reason. Loss of interest in activities is common. Usually, depression is like feeling loss of all emotion. During the depressive phase, people usually have trouble doing simple things like getting out of bed or making food. This is why it is best to stick to a routine when depressed; to prevent from falling into a catatonic state. During both phases, delusions and auditory hallucinations are prevalent, so people take medications such as antipsychotics.
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Manic-depressive disorder cannot be cured. However, it can be treated with medication and therapy. Antipsychotics can be prescribed to prevent hallucinations and delusions, as well as Lithium. Taking lithium reduces the frequency and severity of manic episodes, and reduces suicide risk. As a result, it is prescribed for long periods of time, because it also helps with depressive episodes. Even though Lithium is now a common prescription, doctors don’t actually know how it works to stabilize the mood of a patient. Anticonvulsants are also prescribed (help with seizures) and SSRI’s as well, which inhibit serotonin uptake, thereby lessening the effects of both depression and mania. Another treatment option usually coupled with medication is therapy such as support groups and cognitive behavioural therapy.
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Depressive Phase of Bipolar Disorder The depressive phase of bipolar disorder consists of feelings of low self-worth, apathetic mood, sadness, loneliness, guilt, and even insomnia. During the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, people experience suicidal thoughts. Here are several ways to curb the feelings of depression: ● Avoid depressants like drugs and alcohol ● Stick to a routine ● Take medication prescribed by your doctor Though all of these things may help, calling a family member or friend for support is also a great option.
Manic Episodes Manic episodes usually start occuring around the age of 18 but it is possible for them to occur in early childhood.The manic phase is where one would feel heightened creativity and energy and become increasingly focused on task. The several types of bipolar disorder all have varying levels and frequencies for the manic phase. Bipolar disorder I is usually defined by having manic episodes that last a minimum of 7 days, or extreme manic symptoms that may require the person seek hospital care. Bipolar II will usually not have full manic episodes but rather hypomanic symptoms - a less extreme case of a manic spell - that are not as bad. For cyclothymic disorder the “manic” periods can last up to two years but the symptoms are less severe than hypomania.
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Here are some important facts about bipolar disorder: ● It may affect as many as 60 million people worldwide ● More than half of all patients begin seeing symptoms between the ages of 15 and 25, but it can begin at any age ● There is no cure, but for many people the symptoms can be controlled with treatment such as therapy and medications ● Bipolar disorder is can also be referred to as manic depression ● Some people may experience hypomania, less extreme than a full manic episode ● People with bipolar disorder often also have other mental health disorders
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The Factors Behind Bipolar Disorder Many people worry about what causes Bipolar Disorder and wonder if they will suffer from it as a family member does so. Bipolar disorder is not a completely hereditary disease however, it is found that if your parent suffer from bipolar disorder you are at a higher chance of developing the disorder than someone else. Studies have shown that “genetic factors account for about 60 to 80 percent of the cause of bipolar disorder�, with your risk of developing the disorder increasing almost exponentially if you have an immediate family member who is diagnosed with the disorder. The genetic factors behind having bipolar disorder are very complex and include multiple genes making it hard for the entirety of the disorder to be understood as of yet. However, genetics is not the only factor to developing bipolar disorder as hormonal imbalances and environmental factors such as abuse or a significant loss may also trigger the disorder. Bipolar disorder often develops in a person's late teens or early adult years. More than half of all cases for bipolar disorder start before the age of 25. Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life. It is a popular belief that chemical imbalances in the brain are what cause bipolar disorder. Specifically, it is believed that the neurotransmitters responsible for controlling the brain's chemicals and functions are off balance and this imbalance is what causes people to develop and show signs of the disorder. The chemicals thought to be off balance include noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyrate), glutamate, and acetylcholine. There is also evidence to show that another type of neurotransmitter chemical known as neuropeptides has an effect on those with bipolar disorder. When the neuropeptides - including oxytocin, endorphins and somatostatin - are out of balance symptoms of bipolar disorder are frequently found. Studies have shown a correlation between the chemical noradrenaline being too high and the patient showing signs of mania, as well as the patients showing a depressive spell when noradrenaline becomes too low.What each specific chemical does is not completely mapped out yet, and the scientists are still not sure if these chemical imbalances are either a cause or the actual outcome of bipolar disorder. In a study done by scientists from UCLA showed a strong influence with genetics and the disorder. The scientists were using the gray matter from the temporal and prefrontal regions of the brain, to study and analyze which parts of the genes are possibly responsible for susceptibility to bipolar disorder. These regions which are used for language and self- control along with problem-solving had the strongest connection to the disorder. The next thing the researchers want to do with this information is look at the families of those they observed and attempt to begin to 6
identify the specific genes that are linked to bipolar disorder. It is hypothesised that many of those with bipolar disorder had a significant difference in the neurodevelopment as an adolescent than those without the disorder. Even though they may have only begun showings symptoms of the disorder at the usual ages of young adulthood, there childhood development would be the start and the key to the disorder playing out in full later on in life. Environmental factors may also help in the triggering of bipolar disorder. Those with the genetic disposition to the disorder may not show signs until they have gone through an emotionally heightening period of time. A time in their life where maybe a significant loss had occurred changing the chemical makeup of the brain for a prolonged period of time. Having the disorder run in the family is not a for sure sign that one will develop bipolar disorder, but it is important to note that it will put them at an increased chance.
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How to Help Someone with Bipolar Disorder Having a friend or family member with bipolar disorder can be challenging, especially when dealing with their unexpected mood swings. But your attention, patience, and support can make a positive impact in their journey during treatment. In order to help, an easy task one should do is start off learning about the effects of bipolar disorder, so ​dealing with the ups and downs won’t be alarming. Making someone feel important and keeping them company when the time is appropriate greatly benefits those who may be suffering with bipolar disorder. During a manic episode, you may have to cope with reckless actions, outrageous demands, or explosive bursts. Once mania has passed, it often falls on you or a caretaker to deal with the down side of a breakdown. Most people with bipolar disorder can stabilize their moods with proper treatment, medication, and support. Living with a person who has bipolar disorder can cause stress and tension. The first step to successfully dealing with bipolar disorder is for families to learn to accept the illness and its difficulties. Medical and therapeutic treatment can make a huge difference for someone suffering with bipolar disorder, but it may not take care of all symptoms. Many medications exist already and are prescribed according to a patient's symptoms and goals. Counseling sessions or therapy can benefit and lessen a bipolar person's tension. One who wants to participate in helping should encourage independence and provide support. Aside from offering emotional support, the best way to help someone with bipolar disorder is by encouraging a medical checkup or a doctor’s visit for a specific symptom, such as insomnia. If necessary, one could privately call ahead to tell the doctor of the incoming patient and your concerns about bipolar disorder. It is difficult for someone with bipolar disorder to admit that they have this disorder as they may not see how their behavior affects the people around them.
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Diagnosed Bipolar Disorder Case Study Sloan Manning published a 1999 case study that analyzed a 24 year old woman who was thought to have bipolar disorder. The 24 year old woman showed signs and symptoms of nervousness, headaches and insomnia. She described her emotions as experiencing moments of sadness as well as struggling to control her temper, specifically when dealing with stressful situations. These periods of ups and downs in her energy would then switch abruptly back to a state of intense, depressed mood. When depressed, patient described she would nap or sleep excessively and would binge eat. These are all symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. To clarify, many of her relatives experienced anxiety and/or depression. During this time she was dealing with the possibility of divorce from her husband. This stressful event can trigger a manic or depressive episode. A person’s handling of stress may also play a role in the development of the illness as frustration gets built up. The chances of developing bipolar disorder are increased if a child’s parents, siblings, or other bloodline family members have had the disorder. During evaluation the patient revealed that her grandfather was previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder and manic depression. An additional factor to note was that she described her father as impulsive and an alcoholic, he was prone to outbursts and manic behaviors even when sober for a long periods at a time. Upon reviewing her case, the doctor confirmed the patient will be diagnosed with bipolar disorder (hypomania without a history of major depressive disorder or a manic episode). A treatment given to her was a medication called divalproex sodium, she was given doses divided over 10 days. After medication, she noticed that her sleep pattern began to stabilize and became normal again. Additionally, it lessened her headaches, which later became nonexistent only after about a week. She was less irritable and more emotionally stable. This improvement continued and her ephemeral depressed moods disappeared. Treatment was successful, but he new lifestyle the patient leads must be kept up with in order to prevent relapsing.
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Works Cited "Helping Someone with Bipolar Disorder." HelpGuide.org. March 12, 2019. Accessed March 19, 2019. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/helping-someone-with-bipolar-disorder.htm/. Manning, J. Sloan. "Valproate in Bipolar Disorder: Case Examples From a Family Practice." Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. June 1999. Accessed March 19, 2019. ​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181065/​. NAMI. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-conditions/bipolar-disorder Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms. (2019, March 12). Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-signs-and-symptoms.htm/ Bipolar Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml Cyclothymia Personality, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.cyclothymia.html (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms. (2019, March 12). Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-signs-and-symptoms.htm/ Lithium Treatment for Bipolar Disorder: Side Effects and More. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-lithium#1
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Hypomania and Mania Symptoms in Bipolar Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/hypomania-mania-symptoms Purse, M. (n.d.). How Do You Spot Signs of Bipolar Mania in Yourself and Others? Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/symptoms-of-mania-380311 'Certified Crazy': My Sister's Struggle Living With Bipolar Disorder. (2018, April 30). Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/bipolar-disorder/certified-crazy-my-sisters-struggle-being-diagn osed-living-with-bipolar-disorder/
Bipolar Disorder: Is There a Hereditary Connection? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/is-bipolar-disorder-hereditary Nordqvist, C. (2017, December 07). Bipolar disorder: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37010.php Facts about Bipolar Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://adamhscc.org/en-US/facts-bipolar.aspx (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bipolar-disorder/causes/ Bipolar Disorder Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments - Psycom. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.bipolar.html Wheeler, M. (2014, February 12). Understanding the basic biology of bipolar disorder. Retrieved from http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/coming-soon-249997
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