The Bipolar Disorder Experience

The phenomenon of bipolar affective disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century. History has shown that this affliction can appear in almost anyone. Even the great painter Vincent Van Gogh is believed to have had bipolar disorder. It is clear that in our society many people live with bipolar disorder; however, despite the abundance of people suffering from the it, we are still waiting for definate explanations for the causes and cure. The one fact of which we are pianfully aware4 is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its' victoms ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success. Because bipolar disorder has such debilitating symptoms, it is imperitive that we remain vigilent in the quest for explanations of its causes and treatment.

Affective disorders are characterized by a smorgasbord of symptoms that can be broken into manic and depressive episodes. The depressive episodes are characterized by intense feelings of sadness and despair that can become feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night. Oil on canvas,...

Sodium valproate is a common mood stabilizer

English: MDF Bipolar Organisation, Mill Street, Ne...

Some of the symptoms of a depressive episode include anhedonia, disturbances in sleep and appetite, psycomoter retardation, loss of energy, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, guilt, difficulty thinking, indecision, and recurrent thoughts of death and suicide. The manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, poor judgment and insight, and often reckless or irresponsible behavior (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ).

Bipolar affective disorder affects approximately one percent of the population (approximatly three million people) in the United States. It is presented by both males and females. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania and depression. These episodes may alternate with profound depressions characterized by a pervasive sadness, almost inability to move, hopelessness, and disturbances in appetite, sleep, in concentrations and driving.

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed if an episode of mania occurs whether depression...