Disorder of Interest

Disorder of Interest

Xxxxxx Xxxxx

PSY/275

March 9, 2015

Xx. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx

Disorder of Interest

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that knows no boundaries, be they race, religion, creed, age, gender, or otherwise, and affects approximately 2.6% of the people within the United States. The onset of this disorder can start in the formative years of early childhood or as late as the 40 to 50 years of age and more than two thirds of those afflicted can claim a relative with a similar diagnosis or another form of depression. Although the disease is not particular about the gender of those afflicted, statistics claim that women, more often than men, tend towards rapid cycling bipolar disorder (Dbsalliance.org, 2015). Rapid bipolar disorder has the same symptoms as non rapid bipolar disorder, however the changes in mood and behaviors happen suddenly and with little to no warning.

This disorder can present itself in 3 different ways among those afflicted. The first is bipolar disorder I and displays as extreme moods swings from deep depression to state of high euphoria and overexcitement (Setness, 2005). The second is bipolar disorder II which present with the same symptoms and behaviors as bipolar disorder I; however the shift in mood towards elation is milder than what is seen in those afflicted with bipolar disorder I. The third presentation of this disorder is termed rapid cycling bipolar disorder and can present in either type I or type II. Normally, the manic and depressive states of bipolar disorder can last for extended periods of time; the individuals afflicted with rapid cycling bipolar disorder will switch between mental states quickly.  

Behavior patterns among those afflicted with this disorder can vary greatly, however there are some specific traits that can be seen in anyone diagnosed with this disorder. The behaviors displayed can vary greatly in intensity from person to person. Some of the behaviors that may present when in a depressive state include; feelings of guilt, high anxiety, changes in dietary habits, changes in sleeping patterns, and suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Behaviors that may be present among those in a manic or hypomania state include; increased physical activity, inability to sleep, difficulties focusing on tasks, poor judgment, and increased impulsivity (Setness, 2005). It is possible for those afflicted to experience both extremes of mania and depression at the same time. This disorder has a high probability of being misdiagnosed within children and adolescents, often mistaken for attention-deficit hyper-activity disorder and can lead to substance abuse. One in five individuals diagnosed with this disorder succeed in acting upon their suicidal thoughts (Dbsalliance.org, 2015).

While the behavior patterns associated with this disorder can be difficult, the associated impairment upon the afflicted individual is widespread and can affect everyone around them from family and friends to coworkers and associates. While it is possible to treat bipolar disorder and relieve the symptoms and mitigate the behavior patterns of those afflicted with this disorder with relatively short time span up to two years, it is not always the same when it relates to the afflicted individuals ability to function within society. Statistics show that only about one third of those in treatment regain the ability to function relatively unimpaired within the same activities they were performing before the onset of this condition (Rosa et al., 2010). Functional impairment can vary depending on the state of the individual with more reported statistics of impairment for those within a depressive state then those experiencing a manic state (Rosa et al., 2010).