The Effects Of Bipolar Disorder

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Introduction Bipolar disorder, previously identified as manic-depressive disorder, is an intrinsic disorder with comprehensive studies on the illness dating back to ancient Greece. Despite countless studies over the years, it remains elusive and mysterious in several ways. (Johnson, 2002) This paper will demonstrate the numerous complex facets of this disorder. It is important to point out that the elusive effects of Bipolar Disorder not only encompass the patient, consequently, they also largely affect family, friends, and caregivers of people with this inexplicable illness. What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a medical condition. It affects brain function and causes dramatic mood swings, which range from periods of…show more content…
(magnetic resonance imaging), P.E.T. (positron emission tomography), and f.M.R.I. (functional magnetic resonance imaging) are techniques used to study the living brain as it functions. This eliminates the need to evasive surgeries and procedures to help diagnose and research bipolar disorder. It is through this research that scientists have recognized the differences in brains of people with bipolar and those with healthy brains who are not exhibiting signs of the illness. It is these differences in brain function that are assisting scientists in developing insight into the underlying causes of the disorder to gain insight into which treatments will be most effective in treating each type of the disorder. (Soares, 1997) Despite the extensive research, Bipolar Disorder remains one of the most difficult disorders to diagnose and…show more content…
Since management of the disorder can be complicated, the process of monitoring and treating the disorder must remain diligent throughout. Survival of this disorder is only attained with effective ongoing treatments. Psychotherapy options for persons with Bipolar Disorder and their families offer hope. Since the family dynamic has some known effect on the disorder, family therapy is a key component for coping and prevention in communication and problem solving skills with the affected person. Treatments also now include what is called Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy to help patients manage sleep-wake cycles and stabilize daily living routines to help manage the disorder. Cognitive behaviour therapy available is designed specifically in the treatment of symptoms of this disorder. The therapy helps with symptoms of negative thinking related to depression and the impulsive thoughts of needing to attain certain items or situations at any given time with tragic outcomes if they are not attained immediately. This in turn helps patients to estimate risks of such behaviours unlike their current thought
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