Bipolar Disorder Mental Health Condition - 981 Words

Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive disorder, is a disorder characterized by extreme mood changes. An individual who suffers from this disorder can have extreme highs or extreme lows. They could go from being overly energetic and outgoing to feeling empty, depressed, angry and just completely worthless on a daily, weekly, monthly and or even yearly basis. Diagnosis, dramatic changes in one’s life, and even treatment can have a serious effect on an individual that is suffering from Bipolar disorder – possibly even resulting in self harming themselves physically. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is identified by one having extreme swings in mood, energy and the ability to function in everyday life. When it comes to the†¦show more content†¦Bipolar disorder that is not specified means that the individual has symptoms of bipolar disorder, however the symptoms do not meet the specifics of type I or type II. The final forum of bipolar disorder is Cyclothymia. Cycothymia is when episodes of hypomania that alternate with episodes of mild depression that last for at least two years. The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but this is a condition that tends to run in families (2). Specific genes may play a role, however it is most likely that many different genes act together to play a role. Bipolar disorder can occur in childhood, but it is an unpredictable disease that can emerge anytime throughout one’s life (3). Men and women are both equally as likely to suffer from bipolar disorder. However, according to Medletter’s 2010 publication, a study of 48 older adults with bipolar disorder showed that women were 2.8 times more likely to be in the late-onset group. The daily life of someone with bipolar disorder can include several different challenges when it comes to their daily routine. As stated previously, bipolar disorder is a disorder that can influence ones mood by the fluctuation of mania/hypomania and dep ression. Individuals that are diagnosed with bipolar disorder have often perceived themselves as being unstable due to their feelings, thoughts, and mood changing on a day to day or week to week basis (1). Individuals often feel feelings of isolation from and being