Bipolar disorder (manic

Bipolar disorder (manic-depression) is a neurologi Essay cal disorder influencing mood. Without treatment, people afflicted by this disorder demonstrate extreme emotional fluctuations throughout their lives. Yet despite (or perhaps as a result of) the unusual intensity of the bipolar emotional roller coaster, many people with this disorder have been widely regarded as leaders and high achievers in a variety of fields of endeavor. A closer look at bipolar disorder seems to reveal a cycle of extremes from almost superhuman endeavor to utter voids of activity or motivation. Emotional states associated with this disorder differ in magnitude and severity when compared to normal emotional states. Happy and sad do not seem to be the appropriate terms to describe what a person with manic- depression feels. A person with this disorder can swing from profound feelings of elation (mania) to feeling a little less elated (hypomania) to desperate feelings of hopelessness and helplessness (depression). Usually, there is a period of normal mood in-between peaks and valleys of mania and depression. However, the exact nature and severity of symptoms differ from individual to individual. Some people with this disorder experience more depressive episodes than manias, others experience the reverse. While some experience a few days of depression or mania, others experience weeks or months. Typically, depressive feelings tend to last longer than do manic feelings. And, a person who has this disorder can expect, on the average, ten episodes of either mania or depression within the span of their lives. During my search for information on the Web, I found some vivid descriptions of the experience of bipolar disorder at an NIH web site (5). These testimonials regarding what it is like to experience the emotional states of manic-depression helped me understand the intensity of the disorder from the perspective of those who suffer with it: DEPRESSION: I doubt completely my ability to do anything well. It seems as though my mind has slowed down and burned out to the point of being virtually useless.. ..I am hauntedwith the total, the desperate hopelessness of it all. .. Others say, Its only temporary, it will pass, you will get over it, but, of course, they havent any idea how I feel, although they are certain they do. If I cant feel, move, think, or care, then what on earth is the point? HYPOMANIA: At first when Im high, its tremendous ideas are fastlike shooting stars you follow until brighter ones appear all shyness disappears, the right words and gestures are suddenly thereuninteresting people, things, become intensely interesting. Sensuality is pervasive, the desire to seduce and be seduced is irresistible. Your marrow is infused with unbelievable feelings of ease, power, well-being, omnipotence, euphoria. ..you can do anythingbut somewhere this changes. MANIA: The fast ideas become too fast and there are far too manyoverwhelming confusion replaces clarity you stop keeping up with it-memory goes. Infectious humor ceases to amuse. Your friends become frightenedeverything now is against the grain. ..you are irritable, angry, frightened, uncontrollable, and trapped. Estimates of the prevalence of this disorder within the general public range from between one and two percent. The disease, as a whole, affects men and women equally. There are also remarkable rate similarities between cultures and countries. Usually, people with this disorder experience their first episode of depression or mania in their twenties, though the age of first episode can occur later in life. There are two separate classifications of bipolar disorder: Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 is typified by manic episodes followed by depressive episodes. Bipolar 2 is typified by hypomanic episodes followed by depressive episodes. Thus, people with Bipolar 2 never experience an all- out manic episode. Women are more likely to suffer from the Bipolar 2 form of the illness. .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 , .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 .postImageUrl , .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 , .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77:hover , .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77:visited , .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77:active { border:0!important; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77:active , .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77 .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u833051261ec562c0ebd55fed68e5dc77:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Hesters Letter Essay I found a web site posted by Glaxo Wellcome Research Development itemizing symptoms associated with bipolar disorder (1). Some of the symptoms of mania include: 1. increased energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts, and rapid speech 2. excessive euphoria 3. extreme irritability and distractibility 4. decreased sleep requirement 5. uncharacteristically poor judgement 6. increased sexual drive 7. denial that anything is wrong 8. overspending 9. risk behavior Some of the symptoms of depression include: 1. persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood 2. feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness 3. loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex 4. decreased energy, feelings of fatigue 5. difficulty in concentrating, remembering or making decisions 6. change in appetite or weight 7. thoughts of death or suicide There is still debate as to the cause or causes of bipolar disorder. Some argue that a virus is the cause of the disorder. However, very little evidence supports .