Written by Brian Murphy: Mental Illness is something that is very controversial and we are

(Müller-Oerlinghausen, Berghöfer & Bauer, 2002). More importantly, It should be noted that controversy has arisen over the exact reasons individuals suffer from bipolar disorder, where it still remains somewhat unclear (Leahy, 2007). Although ambiguous, researchers have established that bipolar disorder results from a multifaceted interaction of genetic and environmental factors (Demjaha, MacCabe & Murray, 2011) in sum, several things are said to be correlated with origin and maintenance of Bipolar disorder. This literature review will examine the biopsychosocial model approach. Examining biological, environmental and psychological under pinning’s in the diagnoses and classification of mental illness.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder (MDD), affects people of all races, colors, and economic backgrounds. Approximately two million Americans aged 18 and older are affected by this disorder.

People living with bipolar disorder need medication to help them function at their full potential. Some people feel that people living with bipolar disorder do not need to be medicated to live a healthy fulfilling life. However to say this first a person must know what bipolar disorder is and how a person is affected by the disorder. According to Rachal Pollock PHD bipolar is described as a common recurrent, often lifelong major psychiatric disorder characterized by manic/ mixed and depressive episodes. According to her if the person does not have treatment for the disorder then the risk grows substantially in regards to morbidity and mortality. I know firsthand how it is to live on

The genetic heredity of both bipolar disorder as well as substance abuse have already been proven through data from families, adoption, and twin studies, and I’m sure a positive link amongst the two conditions can be proven as well. The National Institute of Health has gathered information about people with these problems who actively seek help. They cite various studies from 1988-1996 that state 60.7 percent of people with bipolar I disorder had a lifetime diagnosis of a substance abuse disorder, and 48 percent of those with bipolar II disorder also had a substance abuse problem. Compare that to the 27 percent of unipolar depression patients who also have substance dependencies, and you begin to see a greater relationship appear. Those numbers are amazing to me, and definitely

Before the pharmacotherapy era, bipolar disorder was not a very common disorder until the use of legal and illegal drugs. According to Whitaker, “… 60 percent of those with a bipolar diagnosis said they had initially fallen ill with major depression and had turned bipolar after exposure to an antidepressant” (181). Antidepressants are used to treat bipolar disorder, but it seems that instead of treating it, it makes it worse.

Bipolar disorder, also known as, "manic-depressive illness," is a brain disorder that results in unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. More than two million American adults (or, about one per cent of the population aged eighteen and older in any given year) are afflicted by this affective disorder (1). Yet, because it cannot be revealed by a blood test or other physiological means, patients may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Fortunately, once one is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the acute symptoms of the disease can be effectively mitigated by lithium and certain anticonvulsant drugs, the most popular being Depakote (also known as

Aside from genetic studies, it has previously been noted that there are associations between some of the personality traits (which are quantitative in nature and applicable to all human beings) and some categorical psychiatric conditions like depression and schizophrenia [Koorevaar et al., 2013; Guerra et al., 2000]. Identification of the genetic components of personality traits, at the same time as studies are underway to identify genetic components of bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions, offer an opportunity to better understand the interactions and components of the biological components that shape psychological experience and psychiatric illness.

Bipolar disorder affects 2.5% of the adult population in the United States. It is characterized by extreme mood changes from manic episodes of high energy to extreme depression. The disorder is hard to diagnose even for some experts, however, there have been quite a number of celebrities who have been linked to this disorder which made people more aware of their increasing prevalence.

There is a dark stigma surrounding mental illness in general, and bipolar disorder is no exception. According to the Mental Health Commission of Western Australia, a stigma is “a mark of disgrace that sets someone apart.” Bipolar disorder is incredibly misunderstood by society at large, which leads to this stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. In everyday conversation, the word “bipolar” is frequently used to describe how someone is feeling at that moment. If a person is sad one moment and

The memoir presents a strong descriptive view on how bipolar 1 disorder affects not only the patient but also the family members. As discussed in class, twin studies revealed that when one twin has bipolar disorder, the other twin is 40% more likely to also have a bipolar disorder. This suggests that there is some genetic linkage for bipolar disorder, and this percentage is rather high. Based on the textbook, many researchers have identified genes on certain chromosomes that are responsible for bipolar disorder. In light of the book, we can see that there is a predominant fear from the author that this very genetic linkage may be the reason why his fear that Sally’s bipolar disorder is partly inherited within the family like Steve.

The risk of suicide among persons afflicted with bipolar illness is unrealistically high. As many as 1 in 5 people with this disorder have committed suicide. This rate is nearly 30 times greater than that of the general population. Research suggests that people who commit

This essay will analyse the statement “Mental illness is a social problem”. This essay will discuss the sociological perspective of mental health within the chosen concept of gender. The main aim of this essay is to discuss and debate ‘for’ mental illness is a social problem within the different gender roles. Gender is not only male and female, it also includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersexual. In Australia there is a very large community of LGBTI. This concept will be analysed by using theoretical and sociological perspectives along with the structure-agency debate. Also the biomedical and social model 's role in relation to the issue. This will help support the statement that ‘mental illness is a social problem’. It is not logical to solely to blame society for all mental illness’ however, it is a strong contributor. This essay will also explore the social contributor to the high rate of mental illness sufferers in Australia. Also, the general consensus and attitude toward individuals with mental health and the ways that mental illnesses are stitgmatised in Australia and each of its states and territories.