Bipolar Symptoms And Treatments - 1301 Words

BIPOLAR Rosa Hernandez Jersey College January 29, 2016 BIPOLAR Bipolar disorder is a disabling illness, with its extreme mood swings from depression to mania. Bipolar used to be called manic depressive disorder. Bipolar disorder is very serious and can cause risky behaviors, even suicidal tendencies. It can be treated with therapy and medication, but can lead to damaged relationships, social life and careers if it s not treated. Some patients†¦show more content†¦Doctors don t completely understand what causes bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and researchers believe there is a genetic factor, that not just one gene is involved but multiple genes and chromosomes. The neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, are factors involved in mania and depression. During a manic episode the patient with bipolar will have high levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine and low levels during a depression episode. It is estimated that between 25% and 50% of people with Bipolar Spectrum Disorder attempt suicide and 11% succeed in ending their life (Varcarolis, 2009). Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally, as well as all races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic classes. Although bipolar disorder can’t be prevented, early recognition of bipolar warning signs and seeing your doctor regularly can allow you to monitor your mood and medications and keep the illness from escalating. Some of these signs and symptoms are excessive and constant motor activity, poor judgment, not sleeping, loud, aggressive, manipulative, and combative behaviors, inability to control behaviors, poor nutritional intake, racing thoughts. These patients can’t eat, or even complete activities of daily living due to disorganization and they are easily distracted. During the course of their illness, many patients have sustained interpersonal relationships, marriage and family problems, academic and