Bipolar Disorder

Essay by linds07College, UndergraduateB-, February 2009

download word file, 5 pages 4.5 3 reviews

The topic that I chose is the Bipolar disorder. I chose this topic because a few people have told me they think I am bipolar because of my mood swings, so I wanted to learn more about this topic.

Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive illness. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unexpected change in someone’s mood, activity, and their ability to function. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are serious, it can result in messed up relationships, poor job or school performance, and even sometimes suicide. Bipolar disorder can be treated and people with this illness can lead full and beneficial lives. The cycles of bipolar disorder can last for days, weeks or months.

The periods of highs and lows of bipolar disorder are called episodes of mania and depression. During a crazy/manic episode, a person might quit a job, make themselves go in debt, or they may feel rested after only sleeping two hours.

Then during a depressive episode, the same person might be too tired to get out of bed and very worried about being in debt.

Bipolar disorder affects just about three out of every 100 adults in the U.S. according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, although some people have their first symptoms during childhood. Usually it is not recognized as an illness and some people suffer for years before it is diagnosed and treated. Bipolar is a long-term illness that must be carefully maintained throughout someone’s life.

Some signs and symptoms of mania would be: increased energy, activity, and restlessness, extreme irritability, racing thoughts and talking fast, jumping from one idea to another. A lot of people who have this disorder get distracted very easily and have a hard time...