Neuropsychological Disorder (Bipolar Disorder)

Neuropsychological Disorder (Bipolar Disorder)

Introduction

Often termed as the manic-depressive illness, Bipolar Disorder is a psychological disorder that leads to sudden shifts in one's mood and the abilities of performing everyday tasks. The development of this disorder can cause severely damaging outcomes as it affects one's efficient cognitive and interpersonal functioning, and in some cases may encourage suicidal tendencies.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The development of Bipolar Disorder results in unstable emotional states that occur in the form of distinct periods, known as mood episodes. A state that involves excessive excitement and an increased level of joy is called a manic episode, whereas, a state of grief and hopelessness is called a depressive episode. In some cases, an episode may partially include the symptoms of both, a manic and a depressive episode. Such a state is termed as a mixed episode.

The sudden shifts of mood bring about changes in one's energy, their sleep cycle, their actions and their overall behavior as well. It also impacts one's proficient functioning in their school, work or home settings. Moreover, people suffering from Bipolar Disorder may develop an increased level of irritability when experiencing a mood episode (Martin, 2006).

Diagnostic Criteria

Based on the type of episodes involved, there are three types of bipolar disorder, which include; Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder and Cyclothymic Disorder. Given below are the diagnostic criteria of these disorders as given by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR);

The occurrence of one or more Manic or Mixed Episodes, and for some people, one or more Major Depressive Episodes, is the essential features of Bipolar I Disorder. Whereas, the occurrence of one or more Major Depressive Episodes in addition to at least on Hypomanic Episode, forms the essential diagnostic criteria of Bipolar II Disorder. For Cyclothymic Disorder, the essential feature includes numerous hypomanic episodes but the absence of a complete manic/ depressive or a mixed episode, for a period of two years. Cyclothymia is basically a mild form of Bipolar Disorder, which for some turns to its full blown form at a later time in life (Martin, 2006).

Additional options for diagnosing this disorder include; physical exams, mood charting to observe the changing patterns of one's mood, and other psychological diagnostic assessments through the administration of specific questionnaires. Also, is can be done through various lab tests such as the assessment of cerebrospinal fluid chemistry or of the neuroendocrine and neurotransmitter systems. Brain imaging techniques such as MRI can also serve the cause.

Epidemiology of Bipolar Disorder

Various epidemiological studies have concluded that the lifetime prevalence of Bipolar I is 1-5%, which increases to 2% when the symptomatology of Bipolar II is also included. When Cyclothymia too is included the total lifetime risks further increases to 2.4% to 6%.

Studies in the field have shown that the peak age for the onset of Bipolar Disorder lies in the teen ages to early twenties, after which the chance of the occurrence of the first episode ...