Bipolar Disorder In Handel's Messiah

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The musical masterpiece, Handel’s Messiah, was the brilliant work of George Frederick Handel. The classic was written in merely six weeks. Hundreds of years ago, Handel had never heard of it, but he suffered from bipolar disorder. The list of gifted artist, writers and composers that have and still suffer from manic-depressive illness is long. According to Kay Redfield, professor of psychology at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, the incidence is ten to twenty times greater among creative people than just the normal population (Lewis 26). This is not to say that regular people are not afflicted with the disorder. One to four percent of the general population suffer from this illness that produces what can, in simple terms be…show more content…
Bipolar I and Bipolar II exist, however the distinctions between the two are not always clear. Bipolar I is more severe and can cause significant difficulty with jobs, school and relationships. (Mayo Clinic 1). Episodes of lows and highs are more severe and psychotic features may be present (Parker 25). Bipolar II is less intense and can cause hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania. This can produce symptoms such as elevated moods, irritability and some change in daily functioning (Mayo Clinic 2). It does not include psychotic features and the periods of mania may be briefer. Sometimes observable features may not be present and symptoms may simply appear to be normal mood swing or personality styles (Parker 26). Cyclothymia is the mildest form of bipolar disorder with symptoms even less severe than Bipolar II. The symptoms may mainly cause mild disruptions to daily life (Mayo Clinic…show more content…
1009). This indicates the complexity in managing bipolar disorder. Studies also show that psychotherapy is necessary to supplement and optimize the effects of medication (Steinkuller and Rheineck 338). Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients manage the disorder by replacing negative behaviors with positive ones. Education is important with this form of treatment so clients can recognize how different factors affect the course of the disease and what they can do to manage these factors (Steinkuller and Rheineck 342). Family therapy is also a means of treatment where family members as well as the client see a mental health provider to find solutions and ways to deal with the disorder. Family involvement provides structure and could increase adherence to treatment leading to delays or reductions in relapses (Steinkuller and Rheineck 342). Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy involves stabilizing social and circadian rhythms based on the hypotheses that unstable daily routines result in increased bipolar episodes in individuals prone to them (Steinkuller and Rheineck 349). Social rhythm therapy recognizes the need for regular sleep/wake cycles, regulation of meals, exercise, sleep and plans for keeping rhythms stable when disruptions occur. This means of therapy is relatively new compared to the others, but limited research studies have indicated that
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