Bipolar Disorder as a Psychiatric Illness - Essay Example

? BIPOLAR DISORDER Institute Proposal This paper will serve to explain a very important psychiatric illness which is known as bipolar disorder. The name derives from two episodes which are experienced in this condition namely the depressive episode and the maniac episode. These two episodes have their own characteristics which will be explained. The psychiatric illness can be treated by giving medications as well as other forms of therapy. The different pharmacological treatments along with the other therapies will be analyzed. Outline Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric illness which has been presenting with many cases in the past few years. It is characterized by mood swings which include a period of being very happy and high and a subsequent change of episode into a depressive mode when the person feels down and becomes depressed. The disorder can become severe and the patient may have hallucinations. The treatment for the condition is both pharmacological and non pharmacological. The pharmacological treatment includes mood stabilizers, anti-depressants and anti psychotics. The non-pharmacological treatment includes psycho therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, psycho-education, family intervention and behavioral therapy. Abstract The diagnosis of psychiatric illnesses has resulted in increased presentation of patients suffering from these conditions. Bipolar disorder is one such condition which has increased by more than 40 times in the years from 1993 to 2003 for the individuals below the age of 19 according to the statistics of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Bipolar disorder is a condition which is characterized by mood swings in the patients. The patient becomes over active and happy in certain periods whereas at other times he becomes depressed and sad. These two swings can be characterized as maniac episodes and depressive episodes respectively. The exact pathology of the condition has not been recognized. Treatment for the condition includes both pharmacological therapy as well as non pharmacological treatment to improve the condtion of the patient. Bipolar Disorder The advancements in the field of medical science and the carrying out of researches have led to the easier and timely diagnosis of different pathological conditions. Bipolar disorder is an example of one such psychiatric illness which is now being diagnosed at higher rates. According to the findings of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, the number of cases diagnosed with bipolar disorder between the year 1993 till 2003 increased from approximately 20,000 to 800,000. These statistics are particularly for the age group below 19. An interesting characteristic of this disease is that it has a greater predilection towards the males. The condition is mainly characterized by unusual mood swings that is there are two phases in a person’s mood that is he may be very active and happy at one time followed by periods of extreme lows and depression. The exact pathology which leads to this condition is yet unknown but it is considered that it may result due to variations in the levels of neurotransmitters. (Myers 2010; Quinn 2007) The bipolar disorder is a condition whose characteristic sign is the changes moods of the patients and knowledge regarding the disorder by the doctor is extremely important for its diagnosis. It is an episodic disorder with the patient presenting with episodes of different moods. At one time the person becomes very happy and extremely active and at another instance he may become sad and lazy. The phase of hyperactivity and happiness is referred to as the maniac episode whereas the phase where the individual is sad is called as the depressive episode. The symptoms of the condition need close monitoring for reaching to the diagnosis but at certain instances the symptoms become very alarming and it becomes clear that the patient is suffering from a psychiatric condition. The analysis of the mood changes is the only way of reaching to a definitive diagnosis for the condition. It is analyzed that in the maniac episode the individuals feel very happy, joyful and irritated at times while at the next moment they may become sad and worried. The physical state of the individual also varies with the patient being very jumpy and hyper at one time and he may be tired at other instances. If the disorder has progressed and reached its late stages, the individuals can start to have hallucinations and delusions (National Institute of Mental Health 2008; Quinn 2007). The treatment of bipolar disorder is characterized by both pharmacological and non pharmacological. The medications that may be prescribed for the condition include mood stabilizers, anti-depressants and anti psychotic drugs. Lithium and divalproex are the widely used mood stabilizers. The function of the mood stabilizers is to decrease the rate of mania and at the same time control the mood swings. These mood stabilizers are meant to be taken in combination with other agents. Anti depressants are mainly also given with these drugs to reduce the depressive state of the individual. The anti depressants include Bupropion, Venlafaxine, Mirtazapine and Nefazodone. The anti psychotic drugs are also beneficial in this condition. This is because they function to reduce the psychotic symptoms in the individuals. The best indication is for the bipolar disorder patients who have hallucinations and delusions. These drugs also serve to be very useful in resolving the problem of sleeplessness and anxiety that these patients experience. Olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone and clozapine are the anti psychotic agents that have been found to be useful for patients of bipolar disorder. Researches with regard to these drugs have also shown their beneficial effects in stabilizing the mood changes in the patients of bipolar disorder. The bipolar disorder patients are advised to visit their doctors with regard to any questions relating to the drugs. They should also be monitored and if they do not respond to the drugs, the regime should be changed (Kahn et al 2000, National Institute of Mental Health 2008). Bipolar disorder also has non-pharmacological treatment options which include psycho therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, psycho-education, family intervention and behavioral therapy. In the patients presenting with severe mania or who have very high suicidal, electro convulsive therapy is used. On the other hand, behavioral therapy is directed towards improving the patterns of behavior of the individuals. In a similar way, psychotherapy is directed towards improving the issues like hallucinations. Family intervention is also greatly suggested as the family can act by assisting the patient in overcoming his state. The purpose of psycho-education is to advise the patients to stay away from situations that trigger the problem (Kahn et al 2000, National Institute of Mental Health 2008). Works Cited Top of Form Kahn, D A, R Ross, D J. Printz, and G S. Sachs. "Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: a Guide for Patients and Families." Postgraduate Medicine. 107 (2000). Print. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Top of Form Myers, David G. Psychology. New York, NY: Worth Publishers, 2010. Print. National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.).Top of Form Bipolar Disorder. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Mental Health, Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch, 2008. Print. Top of Form Quinn, Brian. Bipolar Disorder. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons, 2007. Print. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More