Bipolar Disorder
Human Body Project by Corinne Carey
What is Bipolar Disorder?
It is a serious brain illness, when sometimes people feel very happy and "up,"
or they feel very depressed and "down." People with bipolar experience changes in energy, mood and behavior. People with Bipolar Disorder often try to harm themselves or others. It can make people suicidal, and can make it hard to continue with work and school.
With Bipolar Disorder, a person finds it is very hard to stay in a neutral mood.
People with Bipolar Disorder have a very hard time dealing with depression and often take it out on others. The good news is, people suffering from the disorder can get help ...
People that have Bipolar Disorder tend to do daring or risky things,
lose interest in activities, have trouble relaxing or sleeping or forget things.
Diagnosis
Hard for doctors to diagnose
A lot of depression and mania
The symptoms can be misdiagnosed as alcohol misuse or drug overdose
Episodes of mood disturbance
- Unpleasant fights with family/friends
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of mania include: racing speech and thoughts, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, elevated mood and exaggerated optimism, reckless behavior, like excessive spending, making rash decisions, and erratic driving.
People that have Bipolar Disorder tend to do daring or risky things,
lose interest in activities, have trouble relaxing or sleeping or forget things.
Causes
>>> Brain structures are abnormal, in the presence of Bipolar Disorder.
>>> It is hard for scientists to find the causes of Bipolar Disorder, but they are researching to find more information about the causes.
How is Bipolar Disorder treated?
>>> The patient suffering can try taking medications. Some people react to medications in different ways. The patient might need to try a few different medications prescribed by their doctor, then wait and see which medication works best.
The most common medication to use is Lithium, which is a mood stabilizing drug.
Anti-convulsant or seizure medications are used to treat bipolar as well.
>>> The patient can go to therapy and talk to a counselor about their feelings.
Going to therapy mentally and physically helps the patient, it helps them get along with their friends and family better.
>>> Some people do not get better with medications or therapy.
It can be a great stressor for the person and their entire family.
Why did I choose Bipolar Disorder for my project?
The reason I chose this topic for my human body project is because I know 2 people with Bipolar Disorder. I have known them both from a young age, and never knew they had Bipolar Disorder until a few years ago. I became very curious about this condition and wondered what it was as a kid. It is true that a person with Bipolar Disorder can function normally… and also have major mood swings.
I am now glad to say, I understand what Bipolar Disorder is.How does Bipolar Disorder arise?
This condition arises by a strong genetic basis.
People diagnosed with Bipolar usually have a family member also suffering from the condition.
Citations
HAUG L. Can Horses Be Bipolar?. Horse & Rider [serial online]. December 2013;52(12):16. Available from: Middle Search Plus, Ipswich, MA. Accessed January 5, 2015.
Kaplan S. MOMMY, AM I Really Bipolar?. Newsweek [serial online]. June 27, 2011;157(26):54. Available from: Middle Search Plus, Ipswich, MA. Accessed January 5, 2015.
Kluger J, Song S, Sieger M, et al. YOUNG AND BIPOLAR. Time [serial online]. August 19, 2002;160(8):38. Available from: Middle Search Plus, Ipswich, MA. Accessed January 5, 2015.
McNeil E. LIFE WITH A VIOLENT SON. People [serial online]. September 22, 2014;82(12):64. Available from: Middle Search Plus, Ipswich, MA. Accessed January 5, 2015.
Sifferlin A. Homeland and Bipolar Disorder: How TV Characters Are Changing the Way We View Mental Illness. Time.Com[serial online]. October 9, 2013;:1. Available from: Middle Search Plus, Ipswich, MA. Accessed January 5, 2015.
http://www.bipolar-foundation.org/bipolar-disorder/symptoms/
http://www.bipolarhappens.com/images/blog/brain_depression.jpg
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_statistics_bipolar_disorder
http://www.drsumit.co.in/uploads/9/0/5/9/9059612/7094386_orig.jpg
http://newrelevant.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/81714472t-300x2601.jpg
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-easy-to-read/index.shtml