Bipolar Affective Disorder

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Term Paper Title	Bipolar Affective Disorder
# of Words	1954
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	7.82

Bipolar Affective Disorder

Bipolar Affective Disorder

     The  phenomenon of bipolar affective disorder has been a mystery since the
16th century.  History has shown that this affliction can appear in almost
anyone.  Even the great painter Vincent Van Gogh is believed to have had bipolar
disorder.  It is clear that in our society many people live with bipolar
disorder; however, despite the abundance of people suffering from the it, we are
still waiting for definite explanations for the causes and cure.  The one fact
of which we are painfully aware is that bipolar disorder severely undermines
its' victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success.
Because bipolar disorder has such debilitating symptoms, it is imperative that
we remain vigilant in the quest for explanations of its causes and treatment.
     Affective disorders are characterized by a smorgasbord of symptoms that can
be broken into manic and depressive episodes.  The depressive episodes are
characterized by intense feelings of sadness and despair that can become
feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.  Some of the symptoms of a depressive
episode include anhedonia, disturbances in sleep and appetite, psycomoter
retardation, loss of energy, feelings of  worthlessness, guilt, difficulty
thinking, indecision, and recurrent thoughts of death and suicide (Hollandsworth,
Jr. 1990 ). The manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood,
increased energy, decreased need for sleep, poor judgment and insight, and often
reckless or irresponsible behavior (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ).  Bipolar
affective disorder affects approximately one percent of the population
(approximately three million people) in the United States.  It is presented by
both males and females.  Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania and
depression. These episodes may alternate with profound depressions characterized
by a pervasive sadness, almost inability to move, hopelessness, and disturbances
in appetite, sleep, in concentrations and driving.
     Bipolar disorder is diagnosed if an episode of mania occurs whether
depression has been diagnosed or not (Goodwin, Guze, 1989, p 11).  Most commonly,
individuals with manic episodes experience a period of depression.  Symptoms
include elated, expansive, or irritable mood, hyperactivity, pressure of speech,
flight of ideas, inflated self esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility,
and excessive involvement in reckless activities (Hollands...

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