Research Paper on Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Treatments

Introduction

Bipolar disorder also referred to as 'manic-depressive disease, is a brain condition that causes uncommon changes in attitude, activity levels, mood, and the capability to undertaken daily tasks. Bipolar 1 Disorder is defined by hyper occurrences that last at least seven days. The condition is also characterized by hyper signs that are so dangerous that the individual needs quick medical care.

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Diagnosis and Symptoms

Diagnosis

To determine whether a person has bipolar I disorder, individual assessment follow criteria outlined by the DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association. The psychiatrist compares an individual's symptoms with the criteria for bipolar in DSM-5 (Boyers and Simpson, 538).

Physical Exam: A physician may conduct a physical examination and laboratory tests to determine whether there are medical issues that could be causing bipolar-like symptoms.

Psychiatric assessment: Psychiatric evaluation involves the sharing of thoughts, sentiments and behavioral patterns. In assessing a bipolar I disorder case, an individual is expected to fill out a psychological self-evaluation or questionnaire.

Symptoms

During a manic episode, a person with bipolar I condition can have an elevated mood in the form of euphoria. Abnormal behavior during maniac episodes entail:

• Excessive spending
• Substance abuse
• Hypersexuality
• Inflated self-image
• Increased energy accompanied by hyperactivity and a reduced need for sleep
• Quick, uninterruptable and loud speech
• Shifting an idea to the next

Prevalence Rates

Almost everyone can develop bipolar I condition. About 2.5 percent of the United States populace suffers from bipolar condition-this is nearly 6 million people. Most people who suffer bipolar I disorder are in their teenage years or early 20s when symptoms of this condition first appear. Virtually every person with bipolar I condition suffer from it before the age of 50. People with a close member with bipolar disorder have a high risk of getting the disorder (Rolim-Neto et al., 172).

Possible Treatments

Treatments assist numerous individual suffering from bipolar I disorder. Even though with dangerous forms of the condition acquire better control of their mood swings and other bipolar signs. A successful treatment plan often entails a blend of medication and psychotherapy. The bipolar condition is a lifelong disease. Occurrences of mania and depression generally come back over time. Between occurrence, numerous people with bipolar I condition are free of mood swings, although the symptoms may vary (Matthews et al., 272).

Biomedical

Various forms of medications can aid regulate symptoms of this condition. A person may require to try numerous different medications before identifying one that works effectively. Medications typically used to cure bipolar I disorder include; Mood stabilizers, antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics (Harrison, Geddes and Tunbridge, 68).

Psycho-Therapeutic Approach

When the combination of the medication is complete, psychotherapy is termed as a successful treatment for bipolar I condition. Psychotherapy offers support, education, and advice to individuals with bipolar I disorder and their families. Some of the treatments in this category are psycho-education, family-oriented therapy, cognitive behavioral treatment and relational social rhythm treatment (Perich et al., 340).

Electroconvulsive Therapy

ECT can offer satisfaction for an individual with severe bipolar I condition who may fail to recover from other forms of treatments. In some cases, ECT is utilized for bipolar I symptoms when other clinical approaches, including pregnancy, make taking drugs too dangerous.

Positive and Negative Physiological Health Impacts of the Disorder and Treatment

Impacts of the Disorder

People with bipolar I disorder experience physical problems and illnesses because of substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices. Bipolar I disorder is also associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and a cardiovascular heart condition.

Individuals who suffer from this condition carry a higher than average risk of early death from physical illness. Their life expectancy is shortened by 10 to 25 years.

Impact of Treatment

There are several side effects associated with the use of medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotic drugs.

Social and Cultural Effects of Mental Health

Stigmas regarding mental conditions vary between cultures but some stigmas cross-cultural and social boundaries. Cultural stigmas may include the cultural perception of individuals with mental conditions as being more dangerous.

Cultural isolation; as a result of stigma, people may feel a sense of isolation within their cultural setting. In some cultures, people do not approve people with mental conditions. The American culture understands that people with mental illness are part of the society (Dodd et al., 350).

Role of Government in the Existence of the Diagnosis

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services assists people diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. Just like any other disorder, the department invites people with bipolar I disorder to apply for grants. The grants are expected to assist the people in managing their economic condition until they get well.

The federal government has also set aside funds to help people with conditions. Bipolar I disorder is one of the conditions that can undermine an individual. When a person has a manic episode, he or she cannot work (Boers and Simpson, 538). The federal government has disability assistance funds for an individual when they are under hospital care.

Works Cited

Boyers, Grace B., and Lorelei Simpson Rowe. "Social support and relationship satisfaction in bipolar disorder." Journal of Family Psychology 32.4 (2018): 538.

Dodd, Alyson L, et al. "Factor structure of the Hypomanic Attitudes and Positive Predictions Inventory and associations with analog bipolar symptoms in a student sample." Personality and Individual Differences 50. 3 (2011): 349-354.

Harrison, Paul J., John R. Geddes, and Elizabeth M. Tunbridge. "The emerging neurobiology of bipolar disorder." Trends in neurosciences (2017).

Matthews, Lynda R., et al. "Function, health and psychosocial needs in job-seekers with anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders who access disability employment services." Work 49. 2 (2014): 271-279.

Perich, Tania, et al. "The association between meditation practice and treatment outcome in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for bipolar disorder." Behaviour Research and Therapy 51. 7 (2013): 338-343.

Rolim-Neto, Modesto Leite, et al. "Bipolar disorder incidence between children and adolescents: A brief communication." Journal of affective disorders 172 (2015): 171-174.