Finding the Light in the Dark with Bipolar Disorder Essay example -- B

Finding the Light in the Dark with Bipolar Disorder Affecting nearly one percent of the population of the United States, bipolar disorder has quickly become one of the leading forms of mental illness (Spearing). While advancements in medical science and technology have allowed researchers and physicians to understand its elements more clearly, the effects of bipolar disorder are tragic and often deadly. Often the negative results occur due to a lack of proper diagnosis: some seventy-five percent of bipolar cases go untreated (Spearing). Through proper education and public awareness, this serious disease can be properly diagnosed, treated and possibly cured. Bipolar disorder, as defined by the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, is a mood disorder that causes a person to suffer extreme emotional changes and shifts in mood. Previously known as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder causes alternate periods of mania and depression. To fully understand the effects of this disease, it is important to comprehend the meanings of mania and depression. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines mania as â€Å"excitement manifested by mental and physical hyperactivity, disorganization of behavior, and elevation of mood.† Depression, on the other hand, is defined as â€Å"a psychiatric disorder characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, loss of appetite, feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, and thoughts of death.† (Merriam-Webster). The combination of the two results in emotional chaos. Of all psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder is the most common, affecting between one and two million Americans (Spearing). While it affects males and females equally, there are a few distinctions that can be made about those who do have it. Amongst men, early onset bipolar disorder is more frequent while there is higher rate of rapid cycling, mixed states, and cyclothymia in women (Wurztel 28-31). Also, according to one survey, an estimated 59% of bipolar patients experienced their first symptoms when they were children or adolescents (Harakas G2). Studies show that bipolar disorder occurs in 1% of all age groups (Bipolar Survivor). Evanston Northwestern Hospital claims, â€Å"There is some indication that the incidence of bipolar disorder may be increasing.† While it is important to understand that bipolar disorder is a disease separa... ...ith, Gwendolyn Puryear, Ellen McGrath, Nancy Felipe Russo and Bonnie R. Strickland, eds. Women and Depression: Risk Factors and Treatment Issues. Baltimore: Electronic Publishing Services, 1990. Lieblich, Julia. "Managing a Manic Depressive." Harvard Business Review .May-June (1994): 20-32. McAtee, Jane. Personal interview. 1 Nov. 2003. McCredie, Scott. â€Å"When a Child is Mentally Troubled: Warning Signs Help Parents Know When to Seek Help.† The Seattle Times. 2 Oct. 2002: A7. McManamy, John. McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web. 1 Oct. 2003. 2 Oct. 2003 . Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster Online: the Language Center. 1 Oct. 2003. 2 Oct. 2003 . Pendulum Resources. Bipolar Information. 23 Sep. 2003. 2 Oct. 2003 . Spearing, Melissa. Bipolar Disorder. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Mental Health, 2003. Stuttaford, Dr. Thomas. â€Å"Mania That Inspired a Genius.† The Times. 29 May 2003, sec. Features, Health: 8 Wetzel, Mary C. "Strengths and Limits: Report by a Bipolar/Unipolar Self-Help Group." Psychosocial Rehabilitation Journal 14 #4 (Apr 91): 81-86 Wurztel, Elizabeth. Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1994.