Bipolar Disorder - National Institute of Mental Health - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1489 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/08/06 Category Medicine Essay Level High school Tags: Bipolar Disorder Essay Did you like this example? According to the National Institute of Health approximately 5.7 million adults in America are diagnosed with some form of Bipolar disorder every year, making up 2.6% of the population. At least 25% of patients diagnosed with Bipolar disorder will attempt to or will commit suicide in their lifetime (NIH, Jamison,2017). Bipolar disorder is a mental health illness that is classified by mood swings from deep depression to mania or hypomania. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Bipolar Disorder National Institute of Mental Health" essay for you Create order There are three main types of Bipolar disorder, all classified by how often the cycling of moods is experienced as well as the type of mania or depression experienced by the patient. Many patients who suffer from Bipolar also suffer from other mental health conditions such as anxiety or post traumatic stress disorder (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Because this disorder manifests itself in many ways it can be hard to identify and diagnose, often being confused with depression or in some cases schizophrenia. It has been found that a patients family may exacerbate or trigger manic or depressive episodes, but family therapy and intervention can help stabilize the person with Bipolar (Miklowitz,2007). Studies show that diagnosing children with Bipolar disorder can be difficult because it can be confused with symptoms of other mental illnesses or trauma, but if untreated the consequences can be extremely severe and even deadly (Sutton,2013). Bipolar disorder occurs equally in men and women, and equa lly across all races and religions, but the type of bipolar disorder tends to vary among genders. People with relatives who have Bipolar are also much more likely to have the disorder themselves, with the likelihood increasing with the amount of relatives. Although Bipolar disorder can be difficult to pinpoint, once it has been diagnosed the patient has many treatment steps they can take, including individual and family therapy and medication. The typical onset age of Bipolar disorder is 25 (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017), but it can present itself at any age, although it may be harder to diagnose and may be confused with other mental health illnesses. Bipolar disorder can only be diagnosed by a mental health professional and the type of Bipolar that is diagnosed is qualified by multiple criteria, such as the frequency of mood cycling, or whether the patient experiences mania or hypomania. Mania and hypomania are different in that mania can be more destructive and severe, and mania can also trigger a psychotic break, while hypomania tends to be less severe and cause less damage in the persons personal life and relationships (Mayo Clinic,2018). Some symptoms of mania and hypomania include: Racing thoughts, a lack of need for sleep, false sense of self-confidence, and impulsive or risky financial or sexual behaviors. Some symptoms of a major depressive episode include: Fatigue or energy loss, significant gain in sleep or insomnia, lack of enjoyment in activities that the patient used to enjoy, and feelings of immense sadness, hopelessness or lack of motivation (Mayo Clinic,2018). Bipolar I disorder is classified by one manic episode that is preceded by or followed by depressive or hypomanic episodes. Bipolar II is classified by one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode, but does not necessarily include mania. A diagnosis for Cyclothymic disorder requires two years containing many hypomanic and depressive episodes (Mayo Clinic,2018). Bipolar disorder is currently the sixth leading cause of disability in the world (NIH,2017) and it occurs equally across all socio-economic platforms, religions, and places in the world. Men and women are equally susceptible to bipolar disorder, but women are three times more likely to experience Bipolar in a rapid cycling form (NIH,2017). Women are also much more likely to experience the disorder with mainly depressive episodes than men. A major problem when it comes to diagnosing children with Bipolar disorder (although it affects approximately 750,000 children a year (Sutton,2013)), is that it doesnt seem to follow typical mood cycling patterns typically found in the disorder, because mania and depression tend to manifest differently in younger people. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance as many as 80% of children with Bipolar disorder are undiagnosed for up to ten years before receiving appropriate treatment. This difficulty in diagnosing stems from the fact that at such a young age, the childs behaviors may be confused for ADHD, Depressive disorders, or may be attributed to typical experiences of puberty. Having so many undiagnosed adolescents and children is dangerous and often causes problems in the patients life. Children with undiagnosed Bipolar are at an increased risk of experiencing difficulty in academics, and are higher risk of having learning disabilities. Adolescents with undiagnosed Bipolar disorder are also 40-50% more likely to experience alcohol or drug abuse (Sutton,2013). They also tend to experience a much greater difficulty maintaining healthy friendships and relationships, even with family members. Although as of right now there is no definitive cause of Bipolar disorder, multiple factors have been found to exacerbate it, or make it more likely. Currently it is believed that the disorder is partially caused by the malfunction of three brain chemicals: Serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline (Psych central, 2018). Bipolar has also been found to be a hereditary disease, with the likelihood increasing if one or both parents have the disorder. If one parent has Bipolar disorder the likelihood of the child having it spikes by 15%, and if both parents have it, the likelihood of the child developing the disorder is 40% greater (Mayo Clinic,2018). Environmental factors can als affect when the disorder begins to manifest itself outwardly. Traumatic events may trigger a depressive episode, and alcohol or drug use may trigger manic episodes or even psychotic breaks. Family has also been shown to greatly affect the cycling of moods in a person with Bipolar Disorder. Research has implicated the role of psycho-social stressors, including high expressed emotion attitudes among family members, in the relapse- remission course of the disorder (Miklowitz,2007). In families where high expressed emotion attitudes are common, such as intense criticism, hostility, and/or emotional overinvolvement negative interactions tend to occur more often and may trigger Irritability in the person with Bipolar disorder, and may be linked to causing manic or hypomanic episodes, which in turn causes more high expressed-emotion interactions from the parent or family member (Miklowitz,2007). Family focused treatment has been shown to help resolve these high emotion-expressed situations, and also teaches parents and family of the person with Bipolar disorder how to recognize symptoms of an episode and how to act in ways that wont further trigger them. Some components of fam ily focused treatment include psychoeducation, communication enhancement treatment, and problem-solving skills training. Even though theres currently no cure for Bipolar, there are many treatments that can help maintain stability in someone with the disorder. Many people choose with Bipolar choose medications to stabilize their moods. Many psychiatrists recommend anti- convulsants (anti-seizure) medications such as Lithium or Topiramate, while others recommend anti- psychotics like Risperidone or Ziprasidone. Some choose to also undergo therapy that also acts as education about their disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and family therapy have all been shown to aid stabilization. Educating oneself about Bipolar disorder can also help stabilization because it teaches the patient how to recognize symptoms of mania or depression. Summary Bipolar disorder affects 2.6% of the American population, and is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. It affects men, women, and all races and classes of people indiscriminately, as well as children. Bipolar disorder is often harder to diagnose in children, and can cause many problems for them in adolescence. There is no definitive cause of Bipolar disorder, but there are multiple factors that are suspected to be responsible; including hereditary genetics, neurotransmission failure and environmental factors including the family of the person with Bipolar disorder. Manic and depressive episodes can be triggered by high expressed-emotion families, but this can be counteracted through family therapy. There is no current cure for Bipolar, but through consistent therapy and the proper medication, people with the disorder can live relatively stable lives. Discussion I chose the topic of Bipolar disorder because not only do I find it to be interesting, I was diagnosed with mixed state Bipolar disorder six years ago. I always enjoying having reasons to educate myself on issues that affect my life on a day to day basis. The topic I chose was one of the options given, but It also relates to the course specifically because it is mentioned in chapter 15 under the unit about psychological disorders. Much of the information in this paper I was already aware considering I live with the disorder every day, but something interesting I learned about was high expressive-emotion families and how that can trigger mania. That was something I took note of because that cycle of criticism and interference from my parents leading to irritation on my part was something I could relate to. I think that family focused treatment could help me and my family understand my disorder better, so I will definitely keep that information with me moving forward.

The Root Cellar Poem Analysis - 726 Words

Deep into The Root Cellar Numerous artists make exceptionally uncertain implications when composing poetry. To some the understandings might be extremely energizing, while others consider them to be dull stories of a creators life. As uninteresting as it may be to a few, individuals can especially identify with specific focuses being made in many types of poetry. In The Root Cellar, Roethke examines in distinctive detail about the dim, moist, and rotten basement. The statements made are extremely discouraging and the thought of needing to surrender appears to be real. He depicts how everything stinks of rotting matter and how anything would not have the power to rest in such a place. Despite the fact that all appears to be lost, there†¦show more content†¦For the duration of his life, the greater part of the mental breakdowns he endured were really helping him. This misery, which he thought of as snapshots of mindfulness, was put towards his work. There were gigantic measures of misery and sadness in his written work. It appears, as there is a dim tone to The Root Cellar specifically with hidden implications to a few things. Despite the fact that the poem is loaded with life sucking symbolism, there is life to be found inside it. Roethke continued going in his life, despite the fact that he had some unpleasant and low focuses. In the poem, two lines truly emerge: Nothing would give up life. Even the dirt kept breathing a small breath. The enormous factor a person would get from looking at this is that nothing is sufficiently horrible to stop all together. Battle until the very end, something that one should detract from this piece. Things in that basement were kicking the bucket, rotting, however a few things strived ahead. The poem figures the dirt can be taken as an allegory to our own lives as individuals. When somebody achieves a state of outrageous misery, they feel lower than the soil. Since in the poem, the soil takes a breath, it tries to remain alive. The lowest form of item in that cellar, has discovered a reason to go onward. Roethke is viewed as a very open artist; a phrase used to name writers that depict theirShow MoreRelatedCompare And Contrast Thoreau And Walden1424 Words   |  6 PagesA Literary Analysis of works by Mary Oliver Henry David Thoreau Author, Henry David Thoreau and Mary Oliver are both very passionate about nature and what it has to offer in life, as well as the symbolism behind nature and its creatures in their works of literature, in â€Å"Walden†, and â€Å"The House of Light†, Both authors discuss their views of nature and the beauty of the world that they want to make familiar to their audience. In this essay, I’ll provide my reasoning behind this statementRead MoreHow Sylvia Plaths Life is Reflected in the Poems Daddy, Morning Song, and Lady Lazarus2237 Words   |  9 PagesHow Sylvia Plaths Life is Reflected in the Poems Daddy, Morning Song, and Lady Lazarus Sylvia Plath has had an exciting life, if I can use this word. Her father died from an undiagnosed diabetes when she was eight. At the same time, a short couplet that she wrote was published in the Boston Sunday Herald. Later, she won scholarships to study in Smith, Harvard, and finally Cambridge. There, Plath married Ted Hughes, who was a good poet, too. What amazes me in her lifeRead MoreAnalysis Of The Prophet By Kahlil Gibran1780 Words   |  8 Pagesliving the last twelve years in exile on an island. He is about to return home, but the islanders ask this wise man to share his wisdom on topics such as love, family, work, death reason, self-knowledge and ethics. It is written in the form of 26 prose poems delivered in sermons. Professor Juan Cole, historian of the Middle East at the University of Michigan who has translated several of Gibrans works from Arabic states,He offered a dogma-free universal spiritualism as opposed to orthodox religion, andRead MoreThe Black Cat And The Tell Tale3559 Words   |  15 PagesRegarded in the literary world as the architect of impeccably crafted short stories and poems, Edgar Allan Poe revitalized American literature. He was a main author in the nineteenth century during the movement of European literature. He is recognized as one of the leading progenitors of modern literature, in both horror and mystery fiction, and in its more complex and self-conscious form, which represent the essential artistic manner of the twenty century. He investigated the profound corners of

The Medium Is the Massage Mcluhan free essay sample

This change in our perceptions of reality is the metaphor. â€Å"Our metaphors create the content of our culture. † (Postman, 1986) Postman compares the prophecies of George Orwell’s 1984 with the Aldus Huxley’s Brave New World. Orwell’s warning is of an â€Å"externally imposed oppression† while Huxley’s warning is of â€Å"people who will come to love their oppression, to adore their technologies that undo their capacities to think,† amusing their selves to death (Postman, 1986). Our culture is in danger of trivialization due to the distractions, amusements and limitations of our media today. It is our esponsibility to study the effects of our technologies to prevent any detrimental unanticipated consequences they may have on our society. Samuel Morse when he invented telegraphy, predicted that it would make â€Å"one neighborhood of the whole country. † According to Postman telegraphy â€Å"destroyed the prevailing definition of information, and in doing so gave a new meaning to public discourse. We will write a custom essay sample on The Medium Is the Massage Mcluhan or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † It is with telegraphy and its union with the press that the value of information changed. Information became context- ­? free and a commodity. Information was bought and sold irrespective of its use or eaning, 1 and this is how the value of news has come to rely on its novelty, interest and curiosity and not on its functionality (Postman, 1986). â€Å"Television speaks in only one persistent voice – the voice of entertainment,† (Postman, 1986). Like the primitive technology of smoke signals, television is a medium restricted by its form. A Cherokee philosopher cannot communicate his ideas with smoke signals. Likewise, television with its inherent bias cannot be used for complex discussions. â€Å"The average length of a shot on network television is only 3. 5 seconds so that the eye never rests, lways has something new to see. † (Postman, 1986) Television favors fascinating dynamic visuals over ‘boring’ complexity and coherence- ­? which do not play well on television. All content is presented as entertainment, â€Å"requiring minimal skills to comprehend it, and is largely aimed at emotional gratification. † (Postman, 1986) However, this does not mean that there is anything wrong with entertainment or that all TV programs are useless. What is wrong is to turn to television for anything serious, expecting the meaningful. It is our obligation to be aware of the metaphor. The metaphor is new culture centered on the need to be entertained and incapable of filtering information, distinguishing what is relevant, or questioning what needs to be questioned. As we are now experiencing the boom in social media with 955 million active users on Facebook in June 2012 (Wikipedia, 2012), it is apparent that we should follow the advice of McLuhan and Postman, and study the elusive effects of social media on our culture today. Facebook tends to encourage people to only show how wonderful their life is. They engage in a form of personal propaganda, indulging in narcissistic behaviors n an environment where it is the norm to do so. It is true that social media brought the world closer together but it has also distanced us. We stay in touch without actually having a conversation through broadcasts and status messages. People compete to have as many friends as possible, making relationships shallow and communications superficial. With more than half of Facebook users accessing Facebook on their mobile devices, it is also important to note the distractions and disconnect these devices cause in our relationships in the real world. â€Å"People know what they do; they frequently now why they do what they do; but what they don’t know is what what they do does† Foucault (Mahon, 1992). In a world where technology is the way of life, it is crucial for us to investigate the effects these tools have on our societies. These tools are extensions of our human experience and therefore must be examined as phenomena that shape the very form of our existence, altering our day- ­? to- ­? day lives and dynamically influencing our culture. These influences maybe indirect and subtle and it is our responsibility to be simply conscious of their effects regardless of whether they are eneficial or not. It is through this awareness that we would be able to 2 prevent the changes that we decide do not suit our visions and goals for the human race. References: †¢ McLuhan, M. (1994). Understanding media: The extensions of man. (pp. 721). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Postman, N. (1986). Amusing ourselves to death. New York, NY: Penguin Group. Mahon, M. (1992). Foucaults nietzschean genealogy: Truth, power, and the subject. (p. 130). Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. Wikipedia. (2012, August 20). http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Facebook    Facebook. Retrieved from †¢ †¢ †¢ 3

What it means to be an American free essay sample

Just look at the faces of the immigrants arriving to the New World on the cramped boats in the late eighteen hundreds. Look at lady Liberty and how she holds her torch up. For many, if you were to ask them â€Å"What it means to be an American†, they would reply with â€Å"I don’t know, what?† or â€Å"To be is blank† fill in the blank with a specific race. To this day this question cannot really be answered but for the most part the idea of what your answer should be is superimposed in almost everything. For me the idea of what it means to be American is not only how you feel as one but in what you do as one. This is the same as the promise of America. America is a promise of unity and be an American is to keep that promise of unity, to work as a single entity with the other people who all share commonalities with you. We will write a custom essay sample on What it means to be an American or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Being an American is not a privilege as others would have it be. Being an American is a reward for those who struggle and who work hard to survive in times of desperation and need. For example, the people who travel from where they were born and raised come to the United States in efforts to leave the terrible wars or circumstances that they were exposed to. This is the power of strength and as a reward these people are granted with being American citizens. To be an American is not solely to have been born here in the States but to have recognized the fact that America is a place of solace and comfort from unwanted retribution. America is a safe haven. You can see this by how many people speak fondly of America, such as former president Franklin D. Roosevelt, Langston Hughes, Emma Lazarus, Claude McKay etc. To be an American is not to limit the freedom of oneself or others. It is not worrying what others think about you socially or politically knowing that as an American there are others like you. When I think of being an American I include every race because just having documents or papers’ verifying that you are a legal citizen is enough. Being an American we have a duty and responsibility; and one of those responsibilities include welcoming others with open arms. Being an American is so much more than anyone can imagine. Everyone has their own perspective and voice and that alone is a symbol of what it means to be American.