Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder
BY-MOBINA FAZLALI
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorders are one of several medical conditions called depressive

disorders. This disorder goes by many names: manic depression, manic-
depressive disorder, manic-depressive illness, bipolar mood disorder,
and bipolar affective disorder are medical terms for the same condition. In
adults, episodes of mania or depression usually last for weeks or months,
although they can be shorter in length. In children and adolescents,
though, these episodes can be much shorter, and a kid or teen can even
go back and forth between mania and depression throughout the day.
When was bipolar disorder first
diagnosed?
French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret published an article in 1851
describing what he called la folie circulaire, which translates to circular
insanity. The article details people switching through severe depression
and manic excitement, and is considered to be the first documented
diagnosis of bipolar disorder
Who is affected?
Bipolar disorder affects men and woman equally and occurs more often in
people with family members who have it. For most people, the first
symptoms start to show in their twenties. However, studies have shown
that the first episode of bipolar disorder is occurring earlier: It often shows
up in adolescence, and even children can have the disorder.
How common is bipolar disorder?
Approximately 2.5% of Canadians suffer from bipolar disorder.

What causes it?
Doctors and scientists don't know the exact cause of bipolar disorder, but
they think that biochemical, genetic, and environmental factors may all be
involved. It's believed this condition is caused by imbalances in certain
brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. If the neurotransmitters aren't in
balance, the brain's mood-regulating system won't work the way it should.
For some teens, stresses such as a death in the family, their parents
divorce or other traumatic events could trigger a first episode of mania or
depression.
What are the signs and
symptoms?
Symptoms of mania include:
racing speech and thoughts
increased energy
decreased need for sleep
elevated mood and exaggerated optimism
increased physical and mental activity
excessive irritability, aggressive behavior, and impatience
poor judgment
reckless behavior, like excessive spending, making rash decisions, and erratic driving
difficulty concentrating
inflated sense of self-importance
What are the signs and
symptoms?
Symptoms of depression include:
loss of interest in usual activities
prolonged sad or irritable mood
loss of energy or fatigue
feelings of guilt or worthlessness
sleeping too much or inability to sleep
drop in grades and inability to concentrate
inability to experience pleasure
appetite loss or overeating
anger, worry, and anxiety
thoughts of death or suicide
How is it diagnosed?
Most people with bipolar disorder can be helped, however a

psychiatrist or psychologist must first diagnose the disorder.
Unfortunately, many people with the condition are never
diagnosed or are not diagnosed properly. Without proper
diagnosis and treatment, the disorder can become worse. Some
teens with undiagnosed bipolar disorder can end up in a
psychiatric hospital or residential treatment center, in the
juvenile justice system, abusing drugs, or committing suicide.
How bipolar disorder is treated?
Although there's no cure for bipolar disorder, treatment can

help stabilize moods and help the person manage and control
symptoms. Bipolar disorder is treated with three main classes
of medication: mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and
antidepressants. The most widely used drugs for the
treatment of bipolar disorder include lithium carbonate and
valproic acid (also known as Depakote or generically as
divalproex).
Prognosis
Bipolar disordercan be severe andlong-term, or it

can be mild with infrequent episodes. Patients with
thediseasemay experience symptoms in very
different ways. A typical patient withbipolar
disorderaverages 8 - 10 manic or depressive episodes
over a lifetime.
Ending the stigma of mental
illness
Bringing to light and raising discussions and awareness about mental health
will have a positive impact on our society.
Reducing stigma will:
Help people better recognize mental illness and be more equipped to avert
harmful acts.
Help those who struggle with mental health to obtain the best help and
treatment.
Reduce discrimination and hostility against people with mental health
illness, thereby empowering them for more successful outcomes.
Better enable caregivers and loved ones to have the most effective support
for those who need it.
Result in a safer society for us all, as those who deal with the most severe
diagnoses will be less likely to render harm to themselves or others.
Sources
"Bipolar Disorder".M.kidshealth.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 19 May 2017.

"Bipolar DisorderPrognosis - Bipolar Disorder Health Information - NY Times
Health".Nytimes.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 19 May 2017.
Cold, Flu & Cough et al. "Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder".WebMD. N.p.,
2017. Web. 19 May 2017.
"How To Reduce And End Mental Health Stigma".Theravive.com. N.p., 2017.
Web. 19 May 2017.
Https://Patientslikeme_Mkting.S3.Amazonaws.Com/Bipolardisorderdiagnosis
facts.Png. 2017. Print.
"Let's End The Stigma Of Mental Illness".The Huffington Post. N.p., 2017.
Web. 19 May 2017.
"The History Of Bipolar Disorder".Healthline. N.p., 2017. Web. 19 May
2017.

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What is bipolar disorder?

When was bipolar disorder first diagnosed?

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorders are one of several medical conditions called depressive

Approximately 2.5% of Canadians suffer from bipolar disorder.

Most people with bipolar disorder can be helped, however a

Although there's no cure for bipolar disorder, treatment can

Bipolar disordercan be severe andlong-term, or it

"Bipolar Disorder".M.kidshealth.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 19 May 2017.

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