Comprehensive Report on Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment

This report provides a comprehensive overview of bipolar disorder, a mental disorder characterized by alternating states of mania and depression. It discusses various types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Rapid Cycling, Mixed Bipolar, and Cyclothymia, highlighting the severity and characteristics of each. The report explores risk factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and lifestyle factors, as well as potential neurochemical causes related to brain function. Key symptoms of both manic and depressive episodes are detailed, along with the effects of the disorder on individuals, including comorbid conditions and increased mortality risk. The diagnostic process, treatment options involving medication, and strategies for prevention through early recognition and adherence to medication are also covered. The report concludes with recommendations for increased public awareness, technological advancements in treatment, and the potential benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. Desklib offers a platform to access this and many other solved assignments and past papers for students.

Running head: BIPOLAR DISORDER 1
Bipolar Disorder
Name
Institution

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Abstract
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that has the characteristics of changing states of mind
continually amongst mania and depression. A manic episode is portrayed by extraordinary
satisfaction, hyperactivity, and less concentration, and hustling musings, which may prompt fast
discourse. A depressive episode is characterized by exceptional sadness, lack of energy or things
enthusiasm, powerlessness to acknowledge generally fun workouts, and defenselessness
sentiments.

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Findings...........................................................................................................................................4
Risk Factor...................................................................................................................................4
Causes..........................................................................................................................................5
Symptoms....................................................................................................................................5
Effect............................................................................................................................................5
Diagnosis.....................................................................................................................................6
Treatment.....................................................................................................................................6
Prevention....................................................................................................................................6
Discussion........................................................................................................................................7
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
Recommendations............................................................................................................................7

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Bipolar Disorder
Introduction
The bipolar disease occurs repetitively, implying that more than 90 percent of the people
who have a single manic episode will proceed to encounter this episode in the future. Patients
with bipolar disease encounter emotions that are beyond their control (Studart, Bezerra Filho,
Studart, Almeida & Miranda-Scippa, 2015) Various types of bipolar disorder range with levels
of severity which include, Cyclothymia, Mixed Bipolar, Rapid Cycling.\, Bipolar II and Bipolar
I. the most severe is the Bipolar I which comprises at least one episode of full-out manic. Bipolar
II contains manic episodes that are less extreme as compared to Bipolar I. Rapid Cycling bipolar
includes four or more of depression or mania yearly that are experienced by the patient. An
estimate of 10% and 20% of patients with bipolar disorder experience rapid cycling. In mixed
bipolar the patient experience the features of both depression and mania. Finally patients with
Cyclothymia bipolar experience mild symptoms of bipolar disorder characterized by mild mood
swings.
Findings
Risk Factor
In the recent years, a greater comprehension of bipolar disorder spectrum has been achieved with
levels of significant sadness, alongside different mindset states between these two boundaries.
Bipolar turmoil appears to be running in families, and there have all the features of being a
hereditary part of this state of mental disease. There is likewise developing proof that condition
and way of life issues affect the turmoil's severity (Pavlickova et al., 2013). Stressful life
occasions, liquor or abuse of medication, can cause bipolar disorder more hard to treat

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Causes
The causes of bipolar disease have not been documented. Environmental, neurochemical and
genetic factors have been attributed to the onset and progression of bipolar disorder
(Martinowich, Schloesser & Manji, 2009). It has been found by research that this disorder occurs
in the human brain in specific parts. The occurrence of this diseases in mind is due to brain
chemical that malfunction which includes, noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. The causes
include genetic factors, neurochemical factors, and environmental factors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the bipolar disease vary with the type and person. Generally, the symptoms are
characterized by mood swings that are cycling between affections of activity and high energy.
The individual with the disease may also experience feelings of hopelessness, depression, and
sadness. During the phase of manic, the patient may experience symptoms of weight loss and
loss of appetite, an outlook that is positively exaggerated, insomnia, poor concentration, and
excessive irritability among others. In the phase of depression, the individual feels hopeless and
sad, experiences poor concentration, constant lethargy, and energy loss as well as feelings of
guilt among others.
Effect
Bipolar disorder is linked to high levels of mortality and morbidity. Individuals with
bipolar disorder experience comorbid psychiatric conditions, for instance, eating disorders,
substance or alcohol abuse and anxiety disorders. Medical complications include obesity which
all contribute to increased illness burden to the patients, physicians, and family members
(Anderson, Haddad & Scott, 2012). The depression of bipolar is linked to an increased risk of

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committing suicide and disruption in social, work and family. The burden of health also leads to
indirect and direct economic costs to the patient and society.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of bipolar is carried out by a psychiatrist or an expert on mental health by taking
note of the symptoms that range from frequency, length, and severity. These symptoms are noted
down by asking questions about family and personal history of the disorder or any mental illness.
The metal expert can also ask questions that focus on memory, reasoning and the ability of the
patients to express themselves as well as the ability to maintain relationships (Kapczinski &
Gentil, 2005)
Treatment
This condition is treated by various classes of medication that include, antidepressants,
antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. In the acute treatment, the focus is on suppressing
symptoms that are current which continues until remission which takes place after the
diminishing of symptoms in a specified period. Continuation treatment help to prevent symptoms
from returning. Finally, maintenance treatment helps to prevent symptoms recurrence
(Fountoulakis et al., 2007).
Prevention
Bipolar disorder cannot be prevented, however, is significant that early signs that serve as
warnings for any bipolar disorder impending episode should be checked. Early recognition of
this disorder can allow the patient to monitor medications and mood as well as prevent the
escalation of the disease. One of the prevention strategies is for those patients who have
experienced its symptoms to stick to medication to prevent recurrence (Ellison, Mason & Scior,
2013).

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Discussion
Both adolescents and children can develop the bipolar disease with a high chance of affecting
those children whose parents have this condition. Maniac children are more irritable and
destructive. Any sickness, be that as it may, effective treatment relies upon the proper diagnosis
(Cochran, Schultz, McInnis and Forger, 2018). Children or youths with passionate and social
manifestations ought to be precisely assessed by a psychological wellness proficient. Any kid or
juvenile who has self-destructive sentiments about suicide or endeavors death ought to be
considered seriously and ought to get prompt assistance from an emotional well-being specialist.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder has been diagnosing commonly in children and adolescents. It implies
that people whose members of the family have this condition should be aware that they have
high chances of bipolar disorder development. People should continuously monitor themselves
for any symptoms of depression or mania to prevent their segregation.
Recommendations
 Bipolar disorder public awareness should be conducted about its symptoms to prevent
disease segregation.
 Advanced technologies should be put in place to help find the proper cure and prevention
of the disorder.
 Intake of Omega-3 fatty acids should be synthesized and put in fortified foods by the
government as it has been found to treat the disorder.

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References
Anderson, I., Haddad, P., & Scott, J. (2012). Bipolar disorder. BMJ, 345(dec27 3), e8508-e8508.
Cochran, A., Schultz, A., McInnis, M., & Forger, D. (2018). Testing frameworks for
personalizing bipolar disorder. Translational Psychiatry, 8(1).
Ellison, N., Mason, O., & Scior, K. (2013). Bipolar disorder and stigma: A systematic review of
the literature. Journal of Affective Disorders, 151(3), 805-820.
Fountoulakis, K., Vieta, E., Siamouli, M., Valenti, M., Magiria, S., & Oral, T. et al. (2007).
Treatment of bipolar disorder: a complex treatment for a multi-faceted disorder. Annals
of General Psychiatry, 6(1), 27.
Kapczinski, F., & Gentil, V. (2005). CANMAT guidelines for bipolar disorder: a commentary
from South America. Bipolar Disorders, 7, 87-88.
Martinowich, K., Schloesser, R., & Manji, H. (2009). Bipolar disorder: from genes to behavior
pathways. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 119(4), 726-736.
Pavlickova, H., Varese, F., Smith, A., Myin-Germeys, I., Turnbull, O., Emsley, R., & Bentall, R.
(2013). The Dynamics of Mood and Coping in Bipolar Disorder: Longitudinal
Investigations of the Inter-Relationship between Affect, Self-Esteem and Response
Styles. Plos ONE, 8(4), e62514.
Studart, P., Bezerra Filho, S., Studart, A., Almeida, A., & Miranda-Scippa, Â. (2015). Social
support and bipolar disorder. Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo), 42(4), 95-99.

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