BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

In summary, bipolar disorder is a genetic condition characterized by drastic mood swings, which are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Interventions such as psychoactive medication and behavioral therapy help reduce symptoms, which improve bipolar conditions. Research will continue to find effective medications needed for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder

Introduction

Bipolar Disorder might sound a somewhat less-serious problem or perhaps a disorder that resists being categorized. However, both are stereotypes having strong roots in the disorder's history. Originally, the term "Bipolar Disorder" was used to describe a condition that was thought to "border" between neurotic and psychotic disorders. Its unusual and often confusing symptoms, combined with a lack of information at that time, led to an indistinct use of terminology, and consequently, misconceptions in definition. Since the DSM-III, it has been recognized as a unique type of personality disorder, and fairly recently, much concerning its etiology, course, and treatment has been identified.

Outline

This paper will analyze the history, background and concepts of Bipolar Disorder individuals, sometimes referred to as "BD", generally display a pattern of behavior marked by disruptions in identity, mood, and close personal relationships. The first part of this paper discusses the thesis statement of paper; the second part of the paper discusses the history and background of the bipolar disorder. The next few parts of this paper analyze the treatment methods and concluding comments.

Thesis Statement

The Bipolar Disorder will often seek a relationship, not necessarily romantic, with someone who they believe cares about them and will be accessible. In addition to focusing on one person at a time, they tend to vacillate between modes of idealization and devaluation of the person, due in part to their unrealistic expectations for them. At any moment, if they believe that they are going to be abandoned, they frequently react with sheer panic. It is then that the prevalent destructive, angry, and manipulative behaviors surface in an effort to avert the anticipated loss of support (Gunerdon, Berkowitz et al., 1997).

History and background

Since 1970, there has been tremendous growth in literature and the amount of research dedicated to Bipolar Disorder individuals. The concept of Bipolar Disorder psychopathology has shifted from that of a personality organization, characterized by symptoms of both psychotic and neurotic organizations, which made classification very difficult, to a syndrome with a set of criteria that help differentiate it. As a syndrome, it was initially considered an atypical of schizophrenia. Soon after, Bipolar Disorder was handled as an atypical form of several Axis I diagnostic categories, such as atypical depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and bipolar II disorder. However, the concept of Bipolar Disorder psychopathology as a syndrome led to a third constructs. With enough information known about its etiology and course, as well as specific treatments, Bipolar Disorder could then be separated from other personality disorders and stand alone as a disorder that is not mainly an atypical form of something else (Gunderson, Berkowitz, et al., 1997).

Treatment Methods

Once Bipolar Disorder is considered a disorder of conflict, a number of deficits can be ...