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Bipolar Disorder Treatments : Symptoms And Symptoms

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Bipolar Disorder Treatments Kelly Miazga Metropolitan State University December 8th 2014 Bipolar disorder treatments Introduction Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression or bipolar affective disorder is a mood disorder where the patient experiences episodes of extreme highs known as mania and extreme lows known as depression. Periods of mania and depression vary per person. A person who is displaying a manic episode shows typical symptoms of elevated mood, extreme happiness or irritability, hyperactivity, racing thoughts, unrealistic beliefs, and behaving impulsively. Within a depressed episode, the patient will display symptoms such as overly long period of feeling sad or hopeless, loss of interest in activities, …show more content…

Within a 12 month period it is estimated that 2.6% of the U.S. population suffers from bipolar disorder; 2.2% of those cases are classified as severe (Kessler et al. 2005). Bipolar disorder typically has an early onset. At least half of all cases of bipolar disorder start before the age of 25 (Kessler et al. 2005). Bipolar disorder is known to be a genetic disorder. There have been numerous studies on various genes, but none are conclusive thus far. However, the risk is 4-6 times higher in those who have a first generation relative with bipolar disorder (Nurnberger & Foroud 2000). Diagnosing bipolar disorder has not come as in easy task in the past years. There are several studies stating that the disorder is both overdiagnosed as well as underdiagnosed. One report states that people with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help while in a depressive episode rather than manic, in which diagnosis will most likely lean towards depression (Goodwin & Jamison 2007). On the other hand, a different study involving 145 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder states that only 43% of those diagnosis were with the current DSM (IV) standard (Day, 2008.). Whether it is over or underdiagnosed, it is important for the physician to educate the patient and their caretaker about the side effects, risk factors, signs

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