Differences Between Disorders

People with bipolar I disorder have full manic and major depressive episodes. Most of them experience an alternation of the episodes; for example, weeks of mania may be followed by a period of wellness, followed, in turn, by an episode of depression. Some, however, have mixed episodes, in which they display both manic and depressive symptoms within the same episode—for example, having racing thoughts amidst feelings of extreme sadness. In bipolar II disorder, hypomanic—that is, mildy manic—episodes alternate with major depressive episodes over the course of time. When a person experiences numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and mild depressive symptoms, but not full-blown episodes, DSM-5 assigns a diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder. The symptoms of this milder form of bipolar disorder continue for two or more years, interrupted occasionally by normal moods that may last for only days or weeks.

The DSM is used as a standard of reference for psychological diagnosis. The DSM was originally published in 1952 containing only 106 diagnoses; today the revised DSM-IV-TR contains 365 diagnoses. Throughout the history of the DSM, individuals in the mental health profession have relied on it for clarification of disorders, facilitating research, improving communication with other professionals and improving the collection of clinical information. With a new DSM-V underway, there has been a lot of issues surrounding the contents and classifications of the new DSM. There are

There was one time that bipolar patients were treated with lithium. According to Whitaker, Guy Goodwin, a Scottish psychiatrist concluded “… if patients were exposed to lithium and then quit taking it within the first two years, the risk of relapse was so great that the drug

The DSM is a classified system used by psychiatrist and other clinical professions in order to diagnose clients and patients who show signs of some type of disorder. The two advantages of using this model or classification system ranges from the validity of an assessment used by clinicians and other health care professionals. Build around the concepts and purposes for the DSM model is that it supports a number of standard assessments of diagnosing different treatment providers. Furthermore, (Comer, J. 2016) suggest that the DSM-5 requires clinicians to provide both categorical and dimensional information which is part of being consistent in diagnosing. From a categorical perspective this refers to the name of a particular category of a disorder which is indicated on behalf of the client’s symptoms. From the dimensional perspective it is a rating of how the client symptoms and the severity of the dysfunction through various dimensions.

The purpose of this essay is to discuss the clinical differences in the diagnosis of both Major Depressive Disorder (Unipolar depression) and Bipolar Depression can be made on the basis of characteristics of a Major Depressive Episode (MDE). That is, can an MDE in patients with Major Depressive Disorder be differentiated from a MDE in patients with Bipolar Disorder? Firstly, the extremes in mood, Major Depressive Episode and mania/hypomania will be defined and it will be explained how they contribute to a diagnosis of MDD or Bipolar Disorder based on the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Secondly, the importance of differentiating the two disorders based on MDE characteristics will be explained. Thirdly, the literature on the clinical characteristics of MDE in Bipolar and Unipolar Depression will be reviewed. Lastly, this essay will touch on what this means for clinicians in their decisions in diagnosing patients with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder or manic-depressive disorder is a disorder characterized by highs, manias, and lows, depressions, and can therefore be easily distinguished from unipolar depression, a major depressive disorder in DSM-5, by the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes (Miklowitz & Gitlin, 2014). Bipolar disorder is generally an episodic, lifelong illness with a variable course (American Psychiatric Association, 2010). There are two classifications of bipolar disorder; bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. If the episodes are primarily manic but there has been at least one depressive episode, the diagnosis is bipolar I disorder (Early, 2009). If the episodes are primarily depressed but there has been at least one episode of hypomania, increased mood that is more euphoric than normal but not quite manic, the diagnosis is bipolar II disorder (Early, 2009).

Preston, O’Neal & Talaga (2017) explain that Bipolar disorder is set apart from depressive disorder due to its mania or hypomania symptoms. Bipolar disorder is unique in its levels of symptoms and differentiate them from any other diagnosis. The levels of noreepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine are compromised in the brain that throw off the chemical imbalance. Anotherwards, the Dopamine and glutamate levels spike which typical results in a manic state. The use of lithium allows for the noreepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine to function at their optimal levels. Lithium has been in use for over sixty years and has been successful in the reduction of suicide risk (Malhi, Tanious, Das, Coulston & Berk, 2013). “Lithium reduces excitatory

Manic Depressive Treatments Introduction Lithium was discovered in 1949 by John Cade as a treatment for bipolar disorder. Since then, lithium has become a highly utilized medication for manic depression. Chemistry of Lithium and Route of Access Name: Lithium Group number: 1 Symbol: Li Group name: Alkali metal Atomic weight: [6.941 (2)] g m r Period number: 2 CAS Registry ID: 7439-93-2 Block: s-block

Lithium is used on things from cars to toy robots. Without lithium a great ordeal of things won’t be available for use. Lithium lives up to expectations with different components, drugs, chemicals, hormones, vitamins, and development elements in the body in a wide range of ways. People use it for drug. Lithium is used for mental illnesses, including bipolar issue, dejection, and schizophrenia; for dietary issues, including anorexia and bulimia. Lithium is a standout amongst the most generally utilized and mulled over medicines for treating bipolar issue. Lithium aides decrease the seriousness and recurrence of lunacy. It might likewise help diminish or avoid bipolar misery. Studies demonstrate that lithium can essentially diminish suicide hazard. Lithium likewise aides avert future hyper and depressive scenes. Accordingly, it might be recommended for drawn out stretches of time (even between scenes) as support treatment. Lithium follows up on a man's focal sensory system (mind and spinal rope). Specialists don't know precisely how lithium attempts to settle a man's state of mind, yet it is thought to help fortify nerve cell associations in cerebrum areas that are included in managing inclination, speculation and conduct. It’s used for blood issue, including iron deficiency and low white-cell number. Lithium is additionally utilized for cerebral pain, liquor addiction, epilepsy, diabetes, liver illness, kidney issue, joint pain, a skin condition called seborrhea, and overactive thyroid. Different uses incorporate treatment of asthma, Huntington's illness, Graves' malady, herpes simplex, Tourette's disorder, patterned spewing, Meniere's sickness, a shivering or "slithering" sensation in the skin, and forceful conduct in individuals with consideration shortage hyperactivity issue (ADHD). Without lithium a lot of people would be struggling to cope with the diseases they are born with. Lithium is a standout

It is imperative for patients on bipolar disorder medications, to be aware of the toxicity level, side effects/adverse effects related to the drugs, and the importance to contact a physician in order to take necessary safety precautions. Also, patients need to be taught not to abruptly stop their medication (s) because of the withdrawal symptoms that can be produced and also because patients can relapse, avoid drinks that contain caffeine (that have diuretic effects), avoid alcoholic beverages and nonprescription drugs. For clients on lithium, it is imperative to eat a normal diet with normal salt because lithium can decrease sodium reabsorption which can lead to sodium deficiency. In contrast, low sodium intake leads to lithium retention, which could produce toxicity. Patients need to drink 1500-3000 ml/day or 12oz glasses of fluid because dehydration can raise the level of lithium in the blood. Patients also need to be aware that sweats can make a person to loose sodium. Also, patients need to be told to check their kidneys and thyroid frequently if taking lithium over a long period of time. It is important for clients to notify their doctor of any over-the-counter medication. Patients should get enough and regular sleep because irregularity in sleep pattern can precede, accompany or precipitate manic episodes, (Halter, 2016). Health care providers need to see to it that patients get comprehensive education regarding bipolar disorder and the treatments and the importance

There are not nearly as many treatments for bipolar disorder. In fact, there is only one treatment that seems to have lasting effects. This treatment uses therapy with a professional coupled with medications. “Antibipolar drugs, also called mood stabilizers, help steady the mood of those with a bipolar disorder” (Chapter 2, 2009). The advances in treatment are due to the discovery of lithium as a medication. This drug works extremely well to eliminate manic episodes and even help with the depression. The drugs

Lithium is a top choice for acute mania and for maintenance in ‘classic’ bipolar disorder. Because of its narrow therapeutic range, blood levels must be monitored; also heart and kidney function (EKG, blood and urine tests). Medications such as diuretics, that block its excretion require caution.

There are also several types of bipolar disorders, depending on the nature of the illness. The main types are Bipolar I disorder, Bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar I disorder includes individuals who have had at least one full manic or mixed mood episode, and may or may not suffer from episodes of depression. Bipolar II disorder includes persons who have had at least one depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never experience a full manic or mixed mood episode. Bipolar II may go unrecognized because the hypomanic symptoms may not appear that unusual. Cyclothymic disorder includes individuals who have suffered numerous hypomanic and depressive symptoms over at least 2 years that are not severe or not long enough in duration to meet the criteria for a mood episode. The subtypes of bipolar disorder include: rapid cycling, seasonal pattern, and post-partum onset. Individuals who experience more frequent mood episodes (4 or more per year) are called rapid cyclers. Some persons have predictable seasonal

The symptoms and themes expressed by the client supports her diagnosis of bipolar disorder as this client suffer symptoms such as experiencing hyersexuality in addition to having long braided hair and extravagant nails which could be tied to grandiosity. Additionally, due to her acute depressive episode, she experienced isolation, loneliness, and resulted to drinking and drugs. Based on Erickson’s stages of development, the patient is in the Intimacy vs. Isolation phase, which is why a recurring theme throughout the conversation was the client’s social connections. She speaks