Psychological Disorders 1

Psychological Disorders: Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness)

Lori Goldsberry

Psychology 1010

1:00pm - 2:20pm, M & W.

Instructor: Tamara Ferweda

November 14, 2019

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Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy

and ability to think clearly. People with bipolar disorder experience high and low

moods—known as mania and depression—which differ from the typical ups-and-downs most

people experience ("Bipolar Disorder," 2017). There have been questions whether or not there is

a cause for bipolar disorder or ways to cure and/or treat the symptoms associated with the

disorder. While there are ways to improve your mental health it is uncertain if there is a way to

cure bipolar. Without treatment, bipolar disorder may cause extreme mood swings which may

even be called “episodes” which may result in high, low or depressive periods. With certain

treatments it is possible to treat bipolar disorder naturally with the help of modern medication.

It is estimated that two to seven people in the United States suffer from bipolar disorder

and globally it is estimated to be at about 46 million people. Of the estimated 46 million people

in the world who were recorded to have bipolar disorder, 0.65 percent of them being female and

0.55 percent being men (Mental Health, 2018). Bipolar disorder is characterized by high levels

of mood and activity and disturbances which cause sudden changes that result in low levels of

mood and activity levels. The patients with constant disturbances in their mood and activity

levels are referred to as people with bipolar disorder. Patients who don’t have episodes as often

are referred simply as bipolar. While high moods are referred to as mania and low moods

referring to depression- this is completely different as compared to the ups-and-downs that the

general public experience.

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Bipolar disorder is generally classified into four basic types. Each type is involved in the

mood swings, energy and activity levels. The first type is known as Bipolar I Disorder which is

defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that

the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically

lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depression and

manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible. The second type is known as Bipolar II

Disorder which is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not

the full-blown manic episodes as described in the first type. The third type is known as

Cyclothymic Disorder (also known as cyclothymia) which is defined by numerous periods of

hypomanic symptoms as well numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2

years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic

requirements for a hypomanic episode (less severe manic periods) and a depressive episode.

Lastly, the fourth type of bipolar disorder is defined by bipolar disorder symptoms that do not

match the three other major types (Bipolar Disorder, 2016).

Common symptoms often associated with bipolar disorder are (but not limited to):

● Periods of abnormally elevated, depressed, or anxious mood

● Periods of decreased need for sleep, feeling energetic on dramatically less sleep than

usual

● Periods of grandiose notions, ideas, or plans

● Periods of increased talking or pressured speech

● Periods of too many thoughts racing through the mind

● Periods of markedly increased energy

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● Periods of poor judgement that leads to risk-taking behavior

● Periods of inappropriate social behavior

● Periods of aggression

● Periods of delusional or psychotic thinking

It is important that individuals with bipolar disorder gets treatment to help the mood swings and

to alleviate the internal and external causes that trigger a sudden episode of sudden mania or

depression. The importance of understanding and treating this mental disorder is crutial as it is a

known to be associated with marital problems, substance abuse and suicide. With all of the

issues and stress that come from bipolar disorder it can also take a toll on your social

experiences, family life as well as personal health and appearance.

There are many kinds of treatments that help people, but for those with bipolar disorder it

can be a bit harder to gain control of their mood swings or their other symptoms. The most

common way that individuals with bipolar disorder get treated is with medication. Generally,

mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and antidepressants are used however it doesn’t

guarantee that the symptoms or the mood swings would be under control, especially in severe

cases of bipolar disorder. In combination with medication another form of therapy/treatment is

psychotherapy (also known as “talk therapy”) which can provide support, education, and

guidance to people with bipolar disorder as well as their families. Some psychotherapy

treatments used to treat bipolar disorder include: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),

family-focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and psychoeducation (Bipolar

Disorder, 2016).
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Other options to treat bipolar disorder even include sleep medications and

electroconvulsive therapy. Sleep medications may work positively with patients with bipolar

disorder due to the fact that they have a hard time sleeping so with improved sleep it has shown

positive results in individuals with bipolar disorder, however it is not a permanent solution or

treatment to cure a person with bipolar disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy however, can provide

relief for people with severe bipolar disorder who have not been able to recover with other

treatments. Sometimes it is used for bipolar symptoms when other medical conditions, including

pregnancy, make taking medications too risky. Unfortunately there are certain risks with may

cause some short-term side effects, including confusion, disorientation, and memory loss in

patients that suffer from bipolar disorder when going through electroconvulsive therapy.

Humans are social beings and personal relationships are an important part of our social

lives. Being a person with bipolar disorder can make communicating effectively with others

extremely difficult. Many people with the disorder are lonely and tend to have a hard time with

finding a partner or maintaining relationships. While there are many aspects of a relationship one

may have with a partner, it all comes down to the communication that is spoken and non-verbal

signals that are queued towards the respecting partner. The highs and lows in mood swings

would also potentially cause issues in the communication between the two people in the

relationship. Highs could create angry outbursts, tantrums, and/or irritability. Triggers for

episodes are often stress which could be the end result of a break up or intense arguments or

fights with their loved ones. There are so many reasons why relationships would be more

difficult with bipolar disorder, but while there are many aspects within a relationship, bipolar

disorder has its ups and downs. While a person may have a manic episode their sex drive could
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be hightend or if they are in a depressive episode the individual may have zero sex drive which

may or may not always match up with their partner whose expectations and needs may not

always be fulfilled.

While mental illness is rampant today and while it is common affecting thousands, it is

often not taken as serious as physical injuries. With the stigma of mental illnesses and the

seriousness it poses in our current times mental illness is often viewed in a negative way because

there are many things that we sometimes do not fully understand even with modern technology.

Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition

are common. Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such

as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be

unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding you because the person assumes you could be

unstable, violent or dangerous due to your mental illness (Mental Health: Overcoming the

Stigma of Mental Illness, 2017). Because society in general has stereotyped views about mental

illness and how it affects people. Many people believe that people with mental ill health are

violent, dangerous, or simply noncoherent, when in fact they are more at risk of being attacked

or harming themselves than harming other people.

Stigma and discrimination can also worsen someone's mental health problems, and delay

or impede getting treatment, and their recovery. Social isolation, poor housing, unemployment

and poverty are all linked to mental ill health which is why it is so important that people get

checked by medical professionals. The stigma and discrimination may even trap people in a

cycle of illness.
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