Bipolar+Disorder

Nicolette Wilson Morgan Schroeder Linda Tosto []

= **WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?** =

Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that ischaracterized in extreme mood shifts. Bipolar Disorder is known as a manic depressive disorder. This means that one with this mental illness may feel happy and energetic one day and the next day they may feel depressed and suicidal. People with Bipolar Disorder can rarely find a "happy medium" mood. This illness can show up very early or very late in a person's life and is often left undiagnosed for many years. If bipolar disorder goes untreated it can begin to ruin a person's personal life or work life.

There are two types of bipolar disorder. Type I bipolar disorder occurs when a person has at least one full episode of mania along with periods of major depression. Mania can be described as a mental illness with periods of extreme excitement and euphoria. In type II bipolar disorder a person may never experience full mania but they do experience hypomania. Hypomania occurs when a person has elevated levels of energy and impulsiveness followed by depression.

There is no clear cause of bipolar disorder, however studies suggest that there are certain triggers that can cause it. These triggers include: - Childbirth - Antidepressants - Periods of sleeplessness - Drug use

= STATISTICAL INFORMATION﻿ =


 * The Mental Health Research Association states that over 2 million American adults are diagnosed with bipolar disorder each year
 * 1 out of every 5 people with bipolar disorder commit suicide
 * Although the disorder is not more common to occur in women than men, it is said that women are three times more likely to have depressive episodes
 * People who have a family history of bipolar disorder are believed to be at a higher risk for getting the illness, therefore the cause of the illness is believed to be genetic

[] = = = = = TREATMENTS =

There is not a cure for bipolar disorder, however there are many different treatments to help those suffering to cope with their illness.

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 * Education:** A good understanding of bipolar disorder can help someone deal with bipolar disorder. It is also important for those close to someone with the illness to understand it and support the person in their life who is suffering.=====
 * Psychotherapy:** Inpatient, outpatien and cognitive behavior therapy are all different types of therapy that can be beneficial to someone with bipolar disorder. Discussing their feelings can help them cope with their illness and regulate their moods. Cognitive behavior therapy is a good way for a bipolar person to change their negative moods and thoughts into more positive ones.
 * Medication:** There are many different types of medications used to treat bipolar disorder. Some types of medications used are antidepressants, mood stabilizing medications and atypical antipsychotics. There are many side effects to medications used to treat bipolar disorder and everyone is different, so it often takes a long time to find the best way to treat a specific person's illness. Many doctors believe it is best to take medication in company with therapy.
 * Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):** This type of therapy is used as a last resort when medications and therapy do not seem to work. It is commonly known as shock therapy. Recent improvements in this type of therapy has made it safe to treat bipolar disorder. Patients are given a muscle relaxer and anesthesia, which keeps them from feeling the 30-90 second electrical impulse that is administered.

[|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVPGg6IYC]

= SIGNS & SYMPTOMS = Irritation Sleepnessness Increasingly elevated mood -(Hyperactivity, Increased energy levels, racing thoughts) Loss of temper Reckless behavior -(Binge eating, drinking & drug use) Easily distracted Suicidal thoughts Lack of self-esteem Withdrawal from friends and family

= = = PROGNOSIS =

The prognosis of this disorder is generally good. A person with bipolar disorder who is prescribed to medication still needs support from their family and friends. Often, a person with this disorder will stop taking medication when they "feel better". However, it is crucial to this person to continue taking medication to decrease their mood swings. When a person discontinues the use of medication it can result in severe consequences due to their disorder such as suicide.



http://www.rajeshsetty.com/wp-content/uploads/suicide-by-impala74.jpg

= REFERENCES: =

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National Institute of Mental Health,. (2010, August 31). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete- ======

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index.shtml#pub1 ======

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Mental Health Treatment,. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder facts. Retrieved from @http://mentalhealthtreatment.net/bipolar-disorder/facts/ ======

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Merrill, M. (2011). Bipolar disorder. //PubMed//, Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001924/ ======

Bipolar disorder. (2010). //National Institute of Mental Health//, Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml#pub12