Disoders (Coursework Sample)

{MAJOR DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR DISORDER} {NAME} {SCHOOL} Reasons for Studying Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder Scientists are still studying the causes of bipolar disorder, but the consensus is that bipolar disorder is caused by several factors working together. As bipolar disorder tends to be hereditary, researchers are currently trying to find a gene that may increase the risk of developing the disorder. Distinctions between Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder The distinction between major despair as well as bipolar disorder is a critical one for psychiatrists since it can lead to very distinct forms of cure. Major despair is characterized primarily by sad mood as well as a reduce in pleasure or enjoyment of previously pleasurable or enjoyable activities, as well as a whole range of other symptoms including sleep problems, reduced appetite, low energy, suicidal thinking. What's distinct about bipolar disorder is that the individual here also encounters hypomanic or manic symptoms. Hypomanic symptoms may involve elevated mood, grandiose thinking, as well as rapid speech as well as reduced sleep need. As well as in hypomania these symptoms last for at least three days Bipolar I disorder is the more severe form of bipolar disorder, in which all of the symptoms of hypomania are present only in a more severe form as well as for at least a week. As well as in addition, the individual may act in ways that are inconsistent with baseline personality, such as spending a lot of money, traveling without making appropriate plans, or acting on sexual impulses that he or she would ordinarily not act upon. Courses of Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder What causes mood imbalances is difficult to pinpoint. Despair is thought to be caused by a combination of environmental, psychological, biological as well as genetic factors. The most enduring theories involve neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain, causing an imbalance that leads to despair. So far, this theory has been difficult to verify. Similarities as well as Symptoms between Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder In all of the disorders listed above, persons encounter changes in their mood. Bipolar disorders are characterized by periods of despair as well as mania which affect a person's overall mood. Somebody who suffers from bipolar I disorder will likely encounter recurring bouts of key despair, while somebody who suffers from bipolar II disorder will have encountered at least one episode of key despair. With all of the depressive disorders as well as most of the bipolar disorders, a person will encounter periods of sadness as well as irritability. Emotional symptoms of mood disorders are not the same for all persons. Emotional symptoms of despair include: Thoughts of as well as attempts at suicide, loss of interest in activities that were pleasurable in the past, unyielding anxiety, sadness or feelings of emptiness, feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or guilt feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, emotional symptoms of mania include: prolonged periods of elation, restlessness, irritability, agitation or extreme energy, feelings of animosity, impulsive, risky or hedonistic behavior. Physical Symptoms of Mood Disorder include reduced energy or fatigue, headaches, body aches, pains, cramps or digestive problems, difficulty remembering details, making decisions or concentrating, loss of appetite or overeating, extreme sleeping or insomnia Physical symptoms of mania include: Racing thoughts as well as jumping from one idea to the next, pressured or rapid speech, increased goal-directed activities, being easily distracted Insomnia Social and Occupational Effects These disorders always affect persons socially as well as occupationally. A person who's depressed may not be able to get out of bed to go to work, finish work projects on time as well as not be able to concentrate. This could lead to the person being demoted or fired from their job. Also, persons who suffer from despair or a bipolar disorder always have problems in their relations. It's difficult to maintain healthy relations when suffering from despair or a bipolar disorder. Impacts of key despair as well as bipolar disorder Reckless Behavior as well as Suicide Some persons who are depressed turn to drugs as well as alcohol to numb their feelings. Likewise, somebody who's having a manic episode is more likely to participate in risky behaviors such as using large amounts of drugs, drinking as well as driving. Sometimes, these episodes drive the sufferer to engage in risky sexual behavior, as well. Both types of disorders increase a person's risk of attempting or committing suicide. Somebody who is depressed may feel hopeless as well as worthless causing thoughts of suicide. Somebody who suffers from a bipolar disorder may suffer from extreme periods of despair as well as suicidal thoughts. Treatment All of these depressive as well as bipolar disorders can be cured with a combination of therapy as well as medication. Many persons suffering from bipolar disorders receive cure for years or for their lifetime. Cure for despair can be short-term or long-term depending on the type of despair, social support systems as well as more. Medications are different for despair as well as bipolar disorders, nevertheless, as the etiology of these ailments differs. Antidepressants, the common medication for despair, can trigger manic episodes in somebody who's bipolar. Lithium and the Anticonvulsants lamotrigine as well as valproate are mood stabilizers that are sometimes used "off label" as cures for bipolar despair , although none of these has been established as an FDA-approved first-line cure for bipolar despair . For many years, psychiatrists have traditionally added an antidepressant to a mood stabilizer if a mood stabilizer alone is ineffective; nevertheless, ...