Bipolar Disorder, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition characterized by frequent mood swings. The mood swing between mania and depression is often very quick. Bipolar disorder equally affects both men and women and usually starts between the ages of 15 and 25. Having a relative with bipolar disorder increases the probability of occurrence (PubMed Health). Bipolar disorder affects about 5.7 million Americans or 2.6% of the U.S. popular 18 years and over. The median age for bipolar disorder is 25 but the illness can even start as late as the 40s and 50s. The average reduction in lifespan due to bipolar disorder has been estimated at 9.2 years and as many as one in five patients with bipolar disorder commit suicide (Bipolar Lifestyles, 2011). It is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 years and the sixth leading cause of disability for people aged 15-44 in the developed world (Internet Mental Health).

Types

There are five more commonly known types of bipolar disorders which are Bipolar Disorder Type I, Bipolar Disorder Type II, Rapid Cycling, Mixed Bipolar, and Cyclothymia. Bipolar Disorder Type I involves having at least one manic episode and periods of major depression. Bipolar Disorder Type II involves periods of high energy levels and impulsiveness while Rapid Cycling involves four or more episodes of mania or depression in a year. Mixed Bipolar involves both mania and depression simultaneously or in rapid sequence and Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder with less severe mood swings (WedMD).

Causes

The exact cause/s of bipolar disorder are still unknown to medical science but certain events or activities have been known to cause bipolar disorder. They include life-changing events such as childbirth, medications such as antidepressants and steroids, periods of sleeplessness, and recreational drug use (PubMed Health). Scientists do have hypothesis as to what may be the factors behind bipolar disorder. Researchers have been looking for genetic traits that may be linked to higher probability of developing bipolar disorder. Children with parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are four to six times more likely to develop the illness but at the same time, most children with bipolar disorder do not develop the illness. Scientists believe that bipolar disorder is not the result of a single gene but the outcome of many different genes as well as the environment. Similarly, brain imaging studies have shown that people with bipolar disorder may have a different brain from those of healthy people or people with other mental disorders (National Institute of Mental Health).

Symptoms

There are various symptoms that point towards the manic phase. They include being easily distracted, little desire for sleep, poor judgment, lack of temper control, lack of self-control, reckless behaviors (binge eating, poor judgment, promiscuity, spending sprees), very elevated mood, and extreme irritation. The symptoms observed during the depression phase include frequent sadness, lack of concentration, eating problems, fatigue, lack of self-esteem, loss of interest, thoughts of suicide, and distancing oneself from friends or activities (PubMed Health).

Tests & Diagnosis

If a doctor suspects bipolar disorder, he may carry out certain tests to reach a reliable conclusion. These tests include physical exams, lab tests, psychological evaluation, and mood charting. Physical exam may include measuring height and weight, checking vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure, and examining abdomen. Lab tests may include blood and urine tests and psychological evaluation may include conversation with the patient, filling out of psychological self-assessment and questionnaire, and even discussions with family members or close friends. Similarly, mood charting will involve doctor requiring the patient to keep daily record of moods, sleep patterns, or other factors so that the right treatment could be determined (Mayo Clinic).

American Psychiatric Association has published Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) which lays out the criteria for bipolar disorder diagnosis. To qualify for Bipolar Disorder I, a patient must have had at least one manic or one mixed episode. The patient may or may not have had a major depressive episode. For Bipolar Disorder II, the patient must have had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode but never a fully manic or mixed episode. For Cyclothymic disorder, the patient must have had numerous hypomanic episodes and period of depression but never a full manic episode, a major depressive episode or a mixed episode (Mayo Clinic).

Treatments & Drugs

The preferred treatment option may be hospitalization for the patients with suicidal thoughts or dangerous behavior. For most patients, treatment starts with medications to balance moods. Thereafter, medications are taken by the patients to control symptoms in the long run. Patients with substance abuse issue may be required to undergo substance abuse treatments. Various medications exist that may be recommended by the doctors according to the condition and needs of the patients. Medications for bipolar disorder include lithium, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, symbyax, and benzodiazepines.

Lithium helps with mood stabilization and prevention of extreme highs and lows and its side effects include restlessness, dry mouth, and digestive issues. Anticonvulsants also help with mood stabilization and their more common side effects include weight gain, dizziness and drowsiness while rare side effects may include skin rashes, blood disorders and liver problems. Antipsychotics are prescribed to those who may not respond to anticonvulsants and their side effects include weight gain, sleepiness, tremors, blurred vision and rapid heartbeat. Antipsychotics may also affect memory and attention and cause involuntary facial or body movements. Antidepressants are prescribed to deal with depression and the side effects include lower sexual desire and problems reaching orgasm. Symbyax helps deal with depression as well as aids in mood stabilization and its side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, and increased appetite as well as sexual problems similar to those caused by antidepressants. Benzodiazepines help with anxiety and sleep problems and are short-term solution. Side effects include drowsiness, reduced muscle coordination, and problems with balance and memory (Mayo Clinic).

Coping Mechanisms

The quality of life of patients with bipolar disorder can be improved with certain added measures such as better education about the illness, joining a support group, staying focused on goals, adopting hobbies and engaging in new activities, and managing stress through exercise. Moreover, patients should continue taking medicines even after the symptoms may have eased because treatment is a long-term commitment. Similarly, support from friends and family is also one of the key elements in successfully dealing with bipolar disorder.

References

Bipolar Lifestyles. (2011, February 10). Bipolar Disorder Statistics. Retrieved March 24, 2012, from http://www.bipolarlifestyles.com/bipolar-disorder-statistics/

Internet Mental Health. (n.d.). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved March 24, 2012, from http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-md02.html

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Tests and diagnosis. Retrieved March 25, 2012, from Bipolar Disorder: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Treatments and drugs. Retrieved Marxh 25, 2012, from Bipolar Disorder: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved March 24, 2012, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml

PubMed Health. (n.d.). Biipolar Disorder. Retrieved March 24, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001924/

WedMD. (n.d.). Symptoms & Types. Retrieved March 24, 2012, from http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-symptoms-types