Bipolar Disorder Causes Symptoms and Treatments

The early signs of this disorder are depicted during the adolescent stage or in the early adulthood. The national institutes of health record that about 1. 2% of the worldwide population have been affected by this disorder. The term bipolar is used to mean two poles yet, in this case, it means two disorders which are the mania and depression. Bipolar patients have both of this condition whereby hypomanic is defined with increased levels of serotonin in the brain while depression is derived from the decreased level of serotonin in the brain. The first type of bipolar disorder is called bipolar I. it is distinguished by the appearance of one or more manic or mixed episodes then the depressive episodes. This type is not common yet it is the most known to be able to affect both men and women.

The bipolar II disorder presents one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode with no manic episodes. Then there is the bipolar III disorder may also be referred to as cyclothymic disorder and it has less severe symptoms though they are prolonged. This would improve the social and personal spheres of individuals hence enable them to have good relationships with others since bipolar disorder is most likely to cause social stigma problems (Grunze et al. As much as this condition is common among children and young adults, the disease can only affect those individuals whose parents suffer from this very disease. This condition is also most likely able to be misdiagnosed by basing on the symptoms since other illness may have same occurrences (Berk et al.

It's obvious that many people in our society lead with this condition; however, even with the increased number of people suffering from it, we still do not understand its definition, we are waiting for clear explanations of its causes and treatment. One harsh reality is that bipolar disease severely limits the victim's ability to get and ensure occupational and social success. Since bipolar disorder poses such devastating symptoms, it's important that we be observant in the quest for definite explanations of its causes and cure. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes intense mood swings including emotional ‘lows’-depression and ‘highs’-mania or hypomania (Thompson, Gallagher, Hughes, Watson, Gray, Ferrier & Young, 2005). When one becomes depressed, he or she may feel hopeless or sad and lose pleasure or interest in most activities.

Those with the Cyclothymic disorder, experience mood swings which shift from mild depression to mild ups that never reach the level of a mania. This kind of disorder seems to affect 0. 5-1% of the American population. There are also other kinds of bipolar associated disorders triggered by a certain medical condition, alcohol or drugs including Stroke, Cushing’s disease or multiple sclerosis (Tondo, Visioli, Preti & Baldessarini, 2014). Hypomania and mania are two different types of episodes. Abnormalities in the functions or structure of the brain may increase the risk for the disease. External factors such as physical illness, excessive stress, and traumatic experiences can make one more susceptible to the disease (Mandimore, 2014). Factors that act as trigger for the first episode or increase the risk of developing bipolar disease are: drug or alcohol abuse, having a first degree-relative with the condition and moments of extreme stress like divorce and death of loved one (Faedda, Serra, Marangoni, Salvatore, Sani, Vázquez, & Koukopoulos, 2014).

If left unattended to, bipolar disorder can result in serious health problems like poor performance, financial or legal issues, and damaged relationships, problems associated with substance abuse as well as death or suicide attempts. A diagnosis of Bipolar II encompasses at least one period of hypomania and single or multiple depressive episodes. Several treatments for managing bipolar disorder are available. They are lifestyle changes, medications, and counseling (Nolen-Hoeksema, & Rector, 2015). The proposed medications may include benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers like lithium, antidepressant-antipsychotics like fluoxetine-olanzapine and antipsychotics such as olanzapine. Medication aid in balancing mood swings, lessening anxiety and depression. For instance, lithium carbonate reduces symptoms and prevents additional episodes of mania. Even though the bipolar disease is a mental illness that has a lasting effect, treatments that can suppress the severity and guarantee a more emotionally stable life exist.