BIPOLAR DISORDER

Learning Experience: The Causes And Effects Of Youth With Bipolar Disorder



Learning Experience: The Causes and Effects of Youth with Bipolar Disorder

This paper provides my learning experience regarding bipolar disorder. I had an opportunity to visit a nearby hospital where patients suffering from bipolar disorder were being treated. It was for the first time that I had had that opportunity in my life. I was astonished to see the facilities being provided in that small hospital. I had interactive sessions with several patients. They were categorized according to the severity of their ailment. This visit helped me distinguish between bipolar I and Bipolar II disorder and I was able to have a closer look at what patients feel about their condition.

Bipolar II disorder is distinguished from bipolar I disorder by the presence of a milder form of mania called hypomania. Hypomanic episodes are characterized by a shorter duration (4 days versus 7 days) than manic episodes and less severe impairment in social and occupational functioning. Hypomanic episodes do not terminate in grossly disorganized behavior or psychotic features that typically require hospitalization. While bipolar II disorder is often thought of as a “milder form” of the disorder, individuals with this disorder have a high risk of suicide and a severe depressive course just as devastating as that experienced in bipolar I disorder. Individuals with bipolar II disorder may have significant interpersonal and occupational problems due to ongoing fluctuations in mood.

Manic State

A manic state is defined by the DSM-IV-TR as typically involving a period of persistent abnormally elevated or highly irritable mood lasting for at least one week. Along with this persistent change in mood, the individual may also display a significant increase in self-esteem or grandiosity. The patients often required minimal sleep, on the order of 3 to 4 hours, ...