Bipolar Disorder: A Case Study

There are many concerns when it comes to the mental health of individuals throughout the world. Mental health problems can manifest in a variety of different ways and range in severity from attention deficits to hallucinations. One of the most severe forms of disorders that can affect an individual is bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that presents a wide variety of different symptoms that affect the ability of an individual to live a complete and satisfied life. By examining the overall prevalence of the ailment, its symptoms, and the forms of treatments available, a more complete understanding of bipolar disease can emerge.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder, is defined as “a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks” (1). According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, this disorder affects approximately 5.7 million people age 18 and older in the United States annually (2). There are a few different categories of this disorder including Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, and Cyclothymic

What the three components of Beck’s negative triad? How might these manifest in an individual with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Bipolar disorder is unique by means of disorderly dramatic mood shifts that alternate among depressed lows and elation (mania). Manic symptoms can consist of: irritation, anger, elevated liveliness; swift talking and feelings, decrease necessity for sleep, elevated sense of arrogance, trouble concentrating, distressed judgment, amplified irresponsibility (frequently concerning money, drugs, alcohol, or sex). Bipolar disorder afflicts up to 10 million people in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of disability worldwide. The disorder affects males and females equally. Bipolar disorder can occur at any time although the disease typically presents before age 35. Persons between the ages of 15 and 25 years have the utmost risk of developing this disorder. However, the impediment amid the initial signs and symptoms of the disorder and appropriate diagnosis and treatment is often ten

Bipolar Disorder is a brain disorder that may bring upon abnormal changes in one’s mood and energy that may harm the ability to go on with everyday functions. The showings of this disorder can be very severe. Anyone of age can get this disorder, but more commonly found in adults. There are many different types of this disorder depending on how severe your symptoms are. Fortunately, this disease can be treated and successful with the treatment. Scientists are studying the possible causes of this disorder, and most agree there is no single cause; rather, many factors likely act together to produce the illness or increase risk (Insel 2009.)

The major criteria are consistently elevated or irritated mood for the majority of 4 days, and, as in manic episodes, the individuals may experience a wide range of symptoms related to increased energy, self-confidence, impulsivity, and risk-taking. Besides a slightly shorter duration of symptoms, the main differentiating factor between hypomania and mania is the degree of impairment. In both states, the level of functioning must be uncharacteristic, and evident to others, but social and work functioning is not markedly impaired in a hypomanic episode. The presence of psychotic symptoms automatically excludes the definition of hypomania, as does an attributable medication or

“The evidence is so strongly compelling that bipolar [disorder] is a largely biologic-based disorder that pharmacologic intervention is the mainstay of treatment,” (p.111) It is crucial to find a wide assortment of ways in order to treat this disorder because every case of the illness varies from patient to patient. In some cases, a medication that works efficiently for a group of patients may have little to no effect or adverse effects to another group of patients. It is important to utilize psychotherapies such as cognitive, behavioral, and psychoeducational approaches in order to supplement the prescribed medications, as medications cannot “teach” the patient different coping skills like therapy can. Even though medication alone is not always the most effective way of treating patients, “some of the most convincing evidence in favor of a biological etiology remains the relatively good response to pharmacotherapy and the extremely poor response to purely psychological interventions,” (p. 110). In turn, those patients have a better probability to enter into remission and transition into more productive and higher quality

manic episodes. Bipolar 1 and 2 are closely linked illnesses and are ranked and diagnosed

Katy Perry’s song “Hot N Cold” comes to mind when I think of bipolar disorder, “You 're yes then you 're no, You 're in then you 're out, You 're up then you 're down.” This is the kind of general explanation that is given to give people an idea of what bipolar is. Not in the sense that it is rapid but it can be a battle between two ends. The National Institute of Mental Health defines bipolar disorder which is “also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks” (NIMH n.d.) There are a few different types of Bipolar Disorder commonly referred to as type 1 and type 2, although this is distinction is made more for diagnostic purposes not biological. I consider myself very familiar with bipolar disorder since there is a good chance I may develop it later in life and my mother has it and is currently unmediated. Currently, there are many different treatments for bipolar disorder that is dependent on the severity of the symptoms. Bipolar disorder has a great effect on the affected person’s psychology since it can not only affect the persons thought process but can completely change a person’s personality.

Clinicians need to be cautious with the way they analyze their patients as it is rather common for a patient to be misdiagnosed. They may also have to take into account that most patients with a Bipolar Disorder are present with depressive episodes rather than mania as their first symptom, moreover it is crucial to be suspicious of both Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder during the onset of Major Depressive Episodes in patients. In contrast, a person may have a Major Depressive Disorder with certain mixed features that may not be met with other symptoms in a Bipolar Disorder Spectrum however the missed symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder raises a red flag as that is the first indication that the person is on its way to developing Bipolar I or Bipolar II.

They found him in the corner of his living room rocking back and forth and shaking his head frantically.

Lee Mortensen, Vinberg, Lee Mortensen, Balslev Jorgensen, & Eberhard, (2015), conducted a qualitative study to identified key characteristics necessary for an individual to heighten the functioning and quality of life for people diagnosed with Type I Bipolar Disorder. Researchers were concerned with developing formalities that decreased symptoms of this disorder, and utilized structural in-depth personal interviews demonstrating the patient’s perception of their BDI with mixed states. Researchers employed a discourse theoretical approach when conducting the interview, and data analysis were configured as it related to their response. Participant’s statements regarding the interviewer's questions were recorded as expressions and conceivable

I would begin by telling the student that many people have this disorder and that they are not alone in this. I would tell them that Bipolar disorder is when one has a manic episode that then drops into a depressive state. I would describe how a manic state is a state of decreased sleep, extremely high energy, racing thoughts and speech, but also how some people feel very productive. This is then followed by a state of depression, which could feel as sadness, isolation, and numbness. I would tell them that having Bipolar I means that there will be big arches of these two states, but that they are here in front of you and you will help them through it. Before going into treatment options I would tell them generally what is thought to

Substance abuse, alcohol or drug, is common among people with bipolar disorder (Sinacola & Peters-Strickland, 2012). Balance is an issue among those who suffer from bipolar disorder, thus, substance abuse may seem like an easy fix. These people want to cope with the extreme changes of mood. For instance, a friend of mine who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder drinks alcohol all the time to find a happy medium between her moods.