A Rollercoaster Ride: Bipolar Disorder

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A Rollercoaster Ride: Bipolar Disorder Mood swings, impatience, and crankiness are some of the ways used to describe a person’s behavior every day when they encounter someone who has highs and lows from extreme happiness to severe depression. Unfortunately, when people experience this or someone whom they love experiences these highs and lows, they are unaware that they could be suffering from bipolar disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. (NIMH) The numbers speak for themselves. Unfortunately, most of the time, this disorder leads to suicide. Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed…show more content…
However, some research has proved that this disorder is based upon genetics. Genetics is when the disorder can be passed down from a family member such as a parent or grandparent, or aunt or uncle. There are no clear risks associated with Bipolar Disorder other than having a family member who is affected by the disorder. According to a study performed by scientists, executing the use of an MRI found that the pattern of brain development in children with bipolar disorder was similar to that in children with "multi-dimensional impairment," a disorder that causes symptoms that are closely related with bipolar disorder and even schizophrenia. Drawing a conclusion based on this study, patterns associated with the development of the brain could be related with certain risks for mood swings or the highs and…show more content…
Some treatments have been proven more harmful than good. Medications such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers have just as many side effects as what they can help. Psychotherapy is also an effective way of treating the disorder. This involves four elements of therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)- assists people with bipolar disorder to help them change bad thoughts to good thoughts Family-focused therapy involves the person who has the disorder accompanied by family members. The patient can use this therapy to help open doors of communication with their loved one Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy involves structuring a routine for the person so that everything seems normal Psychoeducation helps the patient by educating them about the illness or disorder and how to cope with everyday life living with the

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