Research Paper Example on Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder affects around 45 million people worldwide. This means it affects around 2.8% of the U.S. population alone and worldwide it is considered to be the sixth leading cause of disability by the World Health Organization. (Christiansen, 2021) Despite the many challenges that come with this extreme disorder, the first thing you must learn is that you are not alone and there are many other people globally who have shared experiences and there are countless studies and tests to help you through the struggles that come with this illness.

Bipolar disorder, which was previously known as manic depression, is a mental condition that causes mood swings from extreme emotional highs to extreme lows. Also known as mania and depression. (Mayo, 2021) One common misconception people have of this disorder is thinking there is only one type of bipolar disorder when there is actually three to four. BipolarⅠis the most common among the four types and involves experiencing one or more manic episodes, with or without depressive thoughts occurring. Bipolar II is described as shifting between less severe hypomanic episodes to depressive episodes. Cyclothymic disorder occurs when the mood shifts between mania and depression persist for over two years. You may experience cycles of normal moods as well, but these tend to not last over eight weeks. Lastly, Unspecified bipolar disorder is not specified but is present when symptoms do not fit into one of the other three categories yet still experiencing unusual manic episodes. (Howland, 2021)

Bipolar disorder can have many underlying symptoms behind manic and depressive episodes. Mania may include the feeling of being very “high” or elated. You also may experience a loss of sleep, hyperactive thoughts and speaking, and may have hazardous tendencies due to a heightened feeling of power. Furthermore, the depressive states are just reversed. The feelings you endure are empty and hopelessness. Feelings of restlessness or sleep deprivation, have trouble concentrating or doing simple tasks, have little to no interest in almost all activities, and lastly in the most severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide. These episodes may also last for several days or weeks. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020)

Can bipolar disorder potentially be dangerous? The short answer is one is totally capable of living a happy and healthy life while living with this mental illness, however, depending on the type of BPD, the symptoms and outcomes can potentially be dangerous. Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. While the manic episodes of bipolar I can be severe and dangerous, individuals with bipolar II can be depressed for longer periods, which can cause significant impairment. (Mayo, 2021) 

The process of diagnosis of bipolar disorder is performed by a doctor through a series of lab tests, physical examination, and verbal interviews. Since bipolar disorder cannot be seen on a blood test or body scan, these types of tests can rule out other illnesses that resemble bipolar disorder. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, but it can often be misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder because of many shared symptoms and have long been associated with psychiatric illness. (Chen, 2013) According to Duckworth (2017), “To be correctly diagnosed with bipolar disorder, one must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania. Mental healthcare professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose the type of bipolar disorder a person may be experiencing.” 

Treatments and therapies can be given accordingly to which diagnosis you may have. The most effective treatment plans usually include a combination of both medication and psychotherapy. With this, even the most severe forms and symptoms can be subdued. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020) The treatment for bipolar I and II are very similar including the most common medications being mood stabilizers and antidepressants along with a form of psychotherapy. The treatment analysis for Cyclothymic can be very complex due to the indeterminate periods of manic and depressive episodes. For many people talk therapy helps with stresses and mood swings and keeping track of current moods can be effective in observing patterns in mood fluctuation. (Howland, 2021) With this being said, bipolar disorders are extremely individualised and these treatments may not be effective for all cases.

There are multiple risk factors in the development of bipolar disorder. It is most likely that many different factors contribute to the chance of having this disorder, not just one. Research shows that genetics can have an impactful role in BPD. Some studies show individuals with parents or siblings living with bipolar disorder have an increased chance of containing the disorder themselves. Many different genes take place in causing BPD, not just one. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020) Another considerable element in the cause of this mental illness is brain structure and function. Although there is currently no way to diagnose bipolar disorder through brain scans, researchers are able to decipher slight differences in brain size and activation in people with BPD. Lastly, another risk could be stress or previous trauma. Traumatic events occurring such as death in the family, illness, difficult relationships, divorce, or financial problems can trigger episodes. (Duckworth, 2017) Because of this, it is crucial in the early stages of the disorder to learn how to handle stress in order to not further the severity of it. 

Living with Bipolar Disorder can create tremendous struggles within one’s social life. Many patients also battle with other comorbid psychiatric conditions including anxiety, alcohol or substance abuse, and eating disorders along with medical disorders like obesity. With the heavy mental strain these result in, increased burdens and illness follow for the patients, family members, and clinicians. (Post, 2005) According to psychiatrist Robert M Post, “bipolar dipression is associated with greater risk of suicide and of impairment in work, social, or  family life than mania.” It has also been observed that nicotine dependence and lack of social support were significantly associated with work and social life disability. Family life disability was also significantly increased with the number of hospitalizations. (Gutierrez-Rojas, 2010)

There aren’t many specific demographics that tend to be more susceptible to developing bipolar disorder however, BPD affects approximately 2.6% of Americans 18 and older and nearly 83% of cases are classified as severe. The average age at onset for a first manic episode is during the early 20’s but it can occur in teens, and more uncommonly, in childhood. Both men and women are equally likely to have this disorder. (Duckworth, 2017)

When living with bipolar disorder it is important to take actions in making healthy choices to help keep your symptoms under control and minimize mood episodes.The first and most crucial step is medication and therapy. However, there are many things you can do on a daily basis to help subside these symptoms. It is very helpful to monitor your symptoms and moods. This is because it is often too late to stop mood swings once they start, but keeping track of mood changes, sleeping patterns, energy levels, and thoughts can catch the problem before it starts. Another tool is creating a daily routine. With building structure to your life, exercising frequently, and keeping a strict sleep schedule, you can keep stress levels to a minimum and maintain a regular pattern of activity through emotional ups and downs. Lastly, being able to relax and make leisure time a priority can keep you from feeling overwhelmed and triggering episodes of mania. (Smith, 2021) 

To summarize, anyone can develop bipolar disorder, including children and teens. Bipolar disorder lasts a lifetime and there are many struggles you will endure throughout it. It is best treated when diagnosed early, but with support from family, friends, and medical professionals, especially for childrens and teens,  it is easier for one to adopt living with bipolar. Recovery is a constant work in progress but with these vital components, individuals can live a happy and comfortable life living with this disorder.