Bipolar Depression Research Paper

Major depressive disorder is the most common form of depression. It is also known as clinical depression. In order to be diagnosed, symptoms must be present for two weeks, and occurs twice as often in women as

The symptoms of depression usually vary from person to person; symptoms can either be severe or moderate. Some people can be indecisive, have uncontrollable sobbing, and feelings of despair, anger, and worthlessness. People with moderate symptoms might still be able to function, but their depression can cause them to lack a feeling of pleasure or ambition. As the above symptoms suggest, depression has to do with a lot more than just being sad. Depression symptoms can interfere with five areas of functioning: emotional, motivational, behavioral, cognitive, and physical. Depression can affect

Psychotherapy therapy focuses on the personal and interpersonal issues underlying depression. It explores an individual's life to bring to light possible contributing causes of the present depression. During treatment, the therapist helps the patient to become aware of his or her thinking patterns and how they came to be. There are several different subtypes of psychotherapy, but all have the common goal of helping the individual develop healthy problem solving and coping skills. Two of the most widely used treatment methods are cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy (Hammen 141).

Nearly everyone has felt depressed at some point in their life. We all experience episodes of happiness and depression. It is normal for a person’s disposition to fluctuate somewhat when a stressful or complicated situation occurs. However, some people experience feelings of apprehension or despair or experience mood swings that are so rigorous and overpowering that they impede with an individual’s relationships, job performance, and overall daily functioning. In cases of severe physical impairment, people may be experiencing bipolar disorder.

For some, everyday life is perfect; others it’s ok with many flaws. For a person living with bipolar disorder, everyday life can potentially be a coin flip: how you are one day may be very different than how you are on another. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), nearly six (6) million adult Americans are affected by bipolar disorder (“About”). A major obstacle for those dealing with Bipolar can be a lack of help. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), Bipolar disorder has been deemed the most expensive behavioral health care diagnosis costing more than twice as much as depression per affected individual (“Mental”). The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is just

“Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year.” (National Institute of Mental Health)

Bipolar disorder is a long-term mental illness that is formerly called manic depression. There are many types and episodes of bipolar disorder. The three main types of bipolar disorder are Bipolar I disorder, Bipolar II disorder, and Cyclothymic disorder. The 3 main episodes of bipolar disorder are Manic Episode, Major Depressive Episode, and Hypo manic Episode. There are many ways to treat the bipolar disorder, including medicine, counseling, and alternative medicine. mood swings, (mania, hypomania, or depression). Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, and affects the brain and causes shifts in a person's mood and ability to function

Depression presents itself in a multitude of ways from rendering the individual inconsolable and helpless to the inability to connect emotionally with family and friends. Depression is a key mood involved in mood disorders. Mood disorders have many degrees of severity from a passing feeling to a serious illness. Depression is not simply black and white. Its diverse nature makes it difficult for some to understand what constitutes the term “depression,” which is why in the DSM-5 many types of depression are recognized and discussed.

Roughly thirty percent of Americans will experience some sort of mental disorder in their lifetime, such as bipolar disorder; a very complex disorder that is difficult to diagnose. The illness can affect anyone: Infants, adolescents and teenagers, adults, and the elderly. Seeking treatment is uncommon, being as people ignore the symptoms.

Choosing a topic to write my research essay over came pretty easily to me. I have grown up around my mothers best friend and never have I thought that she had an illness-that she was bipolar. She is a single mother, has a special needs son and is one of the most compassionate women I have ever met. She comes across as put together, supportive and outgoing; always seeming to have a positive outlook on life. It wasn’t until I was older that I learned about her childhood and her fight with bipolar disorder. As a child she had uncontrollable mood swings and was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder her sophomore year in college. She told me about her struggles and not comprehending why she was acting the way that she did, it intrigues

“Up to one-third of the 3.4 million children and adolescents with depression in the United States may actually be experiencing the early onset of bipolar disorder.”, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The battle with bipolar disorder has a severe impact on the life of adolescents resulting in the need for medication. Medication is needed for adolescents with bipolar disorder due to the fact is has negative impact on social life, academics, and on physical health.Bipolar disorder is classified as a mood disorder in which people experience series of “manic highs” and “depressed low”.

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Bipolar disorder, or manic depressive illness, is a brain disorder that may cause unusual energy and activity levels, mood shifts, and inability to carry out daily tasks in people who have been correctly diagnosed with it. Results of severe symptoms usually include damaged or severed relationships, bad situations at work or school, and even suicide or suicidal thoughts. This disorder is often diagnosed during the teen/young adult years of the person’s life. Over half the cases are diagnosed before the age of 25.

Nimh.gov defines bipolar disorder as “...a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.” People with bipolar disorder experience two distinct periods; one period is depression, and the other is mania. It is possible for a person to experience both of these at the same time. Bipolar disorder is something that isn’t completely understood, but there is still a lot of information about it.