Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Gracey Dunn, Melinda Harvey, & Hannah RItchie
Patient Perspective
Symptoms & Causes
People with this disorder go through unusual mood changes. They go from happy (mania) to inactive (depression) back and forth many times. They can also go through unusual shifts in energy or activity levels. Symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor school/job performance, and even suicide.
The causes of this disorder aren't always clear. This disorder runs in families. Abnormal brain structure and function also may play a big role in the cause.
Statistics & Seeking Help
Many of the people with disorders are scared. They don't want to accept that they have this disorder and they just keep denying it. Others think they are fine and that they don't need help with their disorder. The person with the mental illness is in the worst place mentally, so that is why they don't want help. They are terrified of what could happen if they did get help.
Other Information
Family/Loved One Perspective
Signs & Stereotypes
Human & Online Resources
Go to a local Monarch, Daymark, counselor, psychologist for help. Also, using these websites are helpiful for gaining information.
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bipolardisorder.htmlhttps://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bipolardisorder.html
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/bipolar.html#cat2012/
Other Information
Medical Expert Perspective
Risk Factors/Diagnosis & Treating Methods
There is no full way to cure Bipolar Disorder but there are treatments that can help stablize your moods and help the teens manage and control their symptoms. Teens need to work with their doctors and other professionals more than you actually think. They together make up a "Treatment Plan". The teens receive a medication like a mood stabilizer. A psychologist would provide the counceling or the teens pysical therapy. The doctors would watch closely at the teens to see if anything changed.
Importance of Treating & Careers Available
If you need any help at all go to a Counceler, Therapist, Physical Therapist, or Doctors. To help with more research on learning more about Bipolar disorder here are some links,
- http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/mobile/guide.cfm?pid=1458
- http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_bipolar_types