bipolar
...hs. Most people with Bipolar Disorder can have normal moods between the two extremes. Some people experience multiple episodes within a single day or week. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “when four or more episode of illness occur within a twelve month period, a person is said to have a rapid-cycling disorder” (2002, p. 9). There are four main types of Bipolar disorder -- Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymic Disorder and Bipolar Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). Each type is determined by the patterns of episodes. Bipolar I Disorder is the most severe. Depressive episodes may last for weeks or months and then alternate with one or more manic / mixed episodes. Both Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders may have periods of normal functioning between episodes of mania and depression. Bipolar II Disorder will have one or more depressive episodes with at least one hypomanic episode. The Cyclothymic Disorder is considered a milder form of Bipolar disorder. Both hypomanic and depressive episodes occur, however they do not consistently. When Bipolar features exist but do not fit any of the previously listed disorders, the Bipolar Disorder NOS is used. An example of the Bipolar Disorder NOS is “having recurrent hypomanic episodes without depressive symptoms” (DBSA, “Guide to Depression,” 2002, p. 6). The cause of Bipolar Disorder is not understood. Some evidence suggests it is hereditary. When one parent has Bipolar, each child is at a fifteen to thirty percent risk of being affected. If both parents have Bipolar, the risk jumps to a fifty to seventy-five perfect chance (DBSA, “Finding Peace of Mind,” 2002). Research is trying to link the Bipolar disorder to other medical disorders, such as a problem with the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of the following glands - pituitary, adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid, pancreas and ovaries / testicles. The endocrine glands are found throughout the body and secrete various hormones. According to the DSM, untreated thyroid disease worsens the prognosis of Bipolar I Disorder (1994). Bipolar disorder is found in all ages, races and ethnic groups. Although Bipolar disorder first appears in late adolescence (ages 15-24), most people do not receive proper treatment for almost ten years (DBSA, “Guide to Depression,” 2002, p. 6). Usually symptoms of Bipolar disorder are confused for depression in teens. Some symptoms can appear in early childhood or later in life, such as mid-fifties. Both men and women are likely to develop Bipolar disorder, however each gender reacts differently to it. Generally, men will begin with a manic episode while women will begin with depressive episodes. The DSM states that women with Bipolar I Disorder have an increased risk of developing subsequent episodes, often psychotic, in the immediate postpartum period (1994). Some women will experience their first episode of mania during the postpartum period. There is “some evidence that clinicans may have a tendency to overdiagnose Schizophrenia (instead of Bipolar Disorder) in some ethnic groups and younger individuals” (DSM, 1994). The problem with this is that when symptoms of mania are left untreated, they can lead to life-threatening situations since mania often impairs judgment. Since there is no cure for Bipolar disorder, long term treatment is required. The best preventive treatment is a combination of medications and counseling. Even though a primary care physician can write the prescriptions needed, psychiatrists are recommended. To better control the disorder, treatment should be continuous, rather than on and off. Even...