Bipolar Affective Disorder
The phenomenon of 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 definite explanations 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 ...
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indecision, and recurrent thoughts of death and suicide (Hollandsworth,
Jr. 1990 ). 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
(approximately 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 has been diagnosed or not (Goodwin, Guze, 1989, p 11). Most commonly,
individuals with manic episodes experience a period of depression. Symptoms
include ...
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a period of remission (DSM III-R).
The three stages of mania begin with hypomania, in which patients report
that they are energetic, extroverted and assertive (Hirschfeld, 1995). The
hypomania state has led observers to feel that bipolar patients are "addicted"
to their mania. Hypomania progresses into mania and the transition is marked by
loss of judgment (Hirschfeld, 1995). Often, euphoric grandiose characteristics
are displayed, and paranoid or irritable characteristics begin to manifest. The
third stage of mania is evident when the patient experiences delusions with
often paranoid themes. Speech is generally rapid and hyperactive behavior
manifests sometimes associated with ...
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"Bipolar Affective Disorder." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 21 Feb. 2004. Web. 22 Nov. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Bipolar-Affective-Disorder/3408>
"Bipolar Affective Disorder." Essayworld.com. February 21, 2004. Accessed November 22, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Bipolar-Affective-Disorder/3408.
"Bipolar Affective Disorder." Essayworld.com. February 21, 2004. Accessed November 22, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Bipolar-Affective-Disorder/3408.
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