Finding the Light in the Dark with Bipolar Disorder Essay example -- B

Finding the Light in the Dark with Bipolar Disorder modify nearly one percent of the population of the United States, bipolar throw out of kilter has quickly become one of the leading forms of mental illness (Spearing). part advancements in medical science and technology have aloneowed researchers and physicians to actualise its elements more than clearly, the make of bipolar disorder ar tragic and often deadly. oftentimes the negative results occur due to a lack of proper diagnosing some seventy-five percent of bipolar cases go untreated (Spearing). finished proper education and public awareness, this serious disease can be properly diagnosed, treated and possibly cured. Bipolar disorder, as defined by the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, is a mood disorder that causes a person to receive extreme emotional changes and shifts in mood. Previously known as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder causes alternate periods of mania and depression. To fully understand the effects of this disease, it is important to comprehend the meanings of mania and depression. Merriam-Websters Dictionary defines mania as excitement manifested by mental and physical hyperactivity, disorganization of behavior, and elevation of mood. Depression, on the other hand, is defined as a psychiatric disorder characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, loss of appetite, feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, and thoughts of death. (Merriam-Webster). The combination of the two results in emotional chaos.Of all psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder is the most common, affect between one and two million Americans (Spearing). While it affects males and females equally, there are a few distinctions that can be made about those who do have it. Amongst men, early onset bipolar disorder is more support while there is higher rate of rapid cycling, mixed states, and cyclothymic disorder in women (Wurztel 28-31). Also, according to one surve y, an estimated 59% of bipolar patients experienced their archetypical symptoms when they were children or adolescents (Harakas G2). Studies show that bipolar disorder occurs in 1% of all age groups (Bipolar Survivor). Evanston Northwestern Hospital claims, There is some indication that the relative incidence of bipolar disorder may be increasing. While it is important to understand that bipolar disorder is a disease separa... ...ith, Gwendolyn Puryear, Ellen McGrath, Nancy Felipe Russo and Bonnie R. Strickland, eds. Women and Depression essay Factors and Treatment Issues. Baltimore Electronic Publishing Services, 1990.Lieblich, Julia. Managing a Manic Depressive. Harvard Business survey .May-June (1994) 20-32.McAtee, Jane. Personal interview. 1 Nov. 2003.McCredie, Scott. When a Child is Mentally Troubled exemplar Signs Help Parents Know When to Seek Help. The Seattle Times. 2 Oct. 2002 A7.McManamy, John. McMans Depression and Bipolar Web. 1 Oct. 2003. 2 Oct. 2003 .Merria m-Webster. Merriam-Webster Online the Language Center. 1 Oct. 2003. 2 Oct. 2003 .Pendulum Resources. Bipolar Information. 23 Sep. 2003. 2 Oct. 2003 .Spearing, Melissa. Bipolar Disorder. Bethesda, MD National Institute of Mental Health, 2003.Stuttaford, Dr. Thomas. Mania That animate a Genius. The Times. 29 May 2003, sec. Features, Health 8Wetzel, Mary C. Strengths and Limits proclaim by a Bipolar/Unipolar Self-Help Group. Psychosocial Rehabilitation Journal 14 4 (Apr 91) 81-86Wurztel, Elizabeth. Prozac Nation Young and Depressed in America. tonic York Houghton Mifflin Company, 1994.