Running head: Bipolar Disorder
Everything You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder.
Jason A. Jacobs
Ivy Tech State College
Introduction to Psychology
Term Paper Prepared for
Al Holloway
Psychology 101-10
April 29, 2003
Abstract
The purpose of this term paper is to inform the reader on the psychological disorder known as bipolar disorder. This paper answers what causes the disorder, how it is treated, the many symptoms, and how it affects the person suffering from it.
Everything You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder.
What is bipolar disorder? Well, bipolar disorder, also know as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual changes in persons' mood, energy and ability to function. The changes that occur in a person's brain who suffers from bipolar disorder, are much more severe than the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through (NIMH-Bipolar Disorder, 2001). There are more than two million American adults that suffer from bipolar disorder.
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English: MDF Bipolar Organisation, Mill Street, Ne...That is about one percent of the population over 18 years of age (NIMH-Bipolar Disorder, 2001).
Someone suffering from bipolar disorder can still lead a healthy and productive life, with the proper treatment. If left untreated, bipolar disorder can cause a great amount of pain and suffering for the individual, and their friends and family as well. If left untreated for too long, it can eventually lead to attempts of suicide by the person suffering from it (McKenna, 2002). Statistics show that about 10-20 percent of the individuals suffering from bipolar disorder take their own life and nearly one third of individuals that suffer from it have admitted to at least one suicide attempt (McKenna, 2002). Also, if left untreated, bipolar disorder can result in bad decision-making, social embarrassments, wrecked relationships (MacNanamy, n.d.).
Scientists have found that bipolar disorder usually develops in late adolescence or...