Bipolar disorder.

Essay by bayou25University, Master's December 2003

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Abstract

The content of this paper is learning about the differences in Bipolar Disorder. First, I will give an overview of Bipolar Disorder. Then I will discuss in detail the treatment and diagnosis of Adolescent Bipolar Disorder. As I'm discussing Bipolar Disorder, I will then go on to view Bipolar Disorder in the African-American community. Lastly I will include my thoughts and treatment approaches for Bipolar Disorder.

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Bipolar Disorder in Adults and Adolescents. What is the cause?

Bipolar Disorder is a severe psychiatric disorder in which individuals experience alternating highs and lows ( Anderson, N.C., & Black, D.W.). History has shown that this affliction can appear in almost anyone. It is clear that in our society many people live with bipolar disorder. However , despite the people suffering from it, we are still waiting for the causes and cure. The one fact of which we are painfully aware is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success.

Because bipolar disorder has such debilitating symptoms, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in the quest for explanations of its causes and treatment.

Affective disorders are characterized by symptoms that can be broken into manic and depressive episodes. The depressive episodes are characterized by intense feelings of sadness and despair that ca become feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Some of the symptoms of a depressive episode include anhedonia, disturbances of sleep and appetite, psychomotor retardation,etc. (Weissman & Myers,1978; Woodruff, Goodwin, & Guze, 1974). The manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy,

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decreased need for sleep, poor judgement and insight, and often reckless or irresponsible behavior ( Weissman & Myers, 1978 et al ).Bipolar disorder affects approximately one percent of the population...