Bipolar Disorder and Its Effects Through the Lifespan
BIPOLAR DISORDER AND ITS EFFECTS THROUGH THE LIFESPAN
Misty Jackson-Green
February 21, 2011
Bi-Polar Disorder And Its Effects Throughout The Lifespan
Bi-polar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a serious mental illness that can manifest itself at nearly any point in a person’s lifetime. The effects of the disorder can vary widely depending on at what point in life it is diagnosed. Children may have different signs and symptoms than an adolescent who may have different signs and symptoms than an adult. A child with the disorder may be more aggressive, and display an explosive temper whereas bipolar adults may display risky behavior such as sexual exploits with several different people, or excessive spending. At any stage in life bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, find the right treatment, and adjust to living with the disorder and managing it. Bi-polar disorder is a serious, but treatable mental disorder that demands understanding from the people around you in order to help the diagnosed live a healthy full life.
Bi-Polar Disorder: A History
Bi-polar disorder is a serious mental disorder that afflicts thousands of people in the United States alone. At its most basic level, bipolar disorder can be defined as: “a treatable mental illness that is characterized by episodes of extreme mood swings from mania to depression, and affecting the afflicted person’s energy level, thoughts, and behavior (Jon P. Bloch, 2006, p. 1).” Throughout history scientists and doctors have tried to recognize and label manic-depression. In the second century A.D., Aretaeus of Cappadociam recognized bipolar disorder by identifying and relating the manic and depressive moods experienced (Jon P. Bloch, 2006, p. 1). In 1650, British scientist, Richard Burton, wrote, The Anatomy of Melancholia. The volume focused on diagnosing patients based on their relative “melancholia” or depression but did not take into account mania and its role. Frenchman Jules
Misty Jackson-Green
February 21, 2011
Bi-Polar Disorder And Its Effects Throughout The Lifespan
Bi-polar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a serious mental illness that can manifest itself at nearly any point in a person’s lifetime. The effects of the disorder can vary widely depending on at what point in life it is diagnosed. Children may have different signs and symptoms than an adolescent who may have different signs and symptoms than an adult. A child with the disorder may be more aggressive, and display an explosive temper whereas bipolar adults may display risky behavior such as sexual exploits with several different people, or excessive spending. At any stage in life bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, find the right treatment, and adjust to living with the disorder and managing it. Bi-polar disorder is a serious, but treatable mental disorder that demands understanding from the people around you in order to help the diagnosed live a healthy full life.
Bi-Polar Disorder: A History
Bi-polar disorder is a serious mental disorder that afflicts thousands of people in the United States alone. At its most basic level, bipolar disorder can be defined as: “a treatable mental illness that is characterized by episodes of extreme mood swings from mania to depression, and affecting the afflicted person’s energy level, thoughts, and behavior (Jon P. Bloch, 2006, p. 1).” Throughout history scientists and doctors have tried to recognize and label manic-depression. In the second century A.D., Aretaeus of Cappadociam recognized bipolar disorder by identifying and relating the manic and depressive moods experienced (Jon P. Bloch, 2006, p. 1). In 1650, British scientist, Richard Burton, wrote, The Anatomy of Melancholia. The volume focused on diagnosing patients based on their relative “melancholia” or depression but did not take into account mania and its role. Frenchman Jules
References: CQ. (1999). Childhood Depression: Is it on the rise? The CQ Researcher. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. (2006, May 10). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved January 24, 2011 Jon P. Bloch, P. a. (2006). THE EVERYTHING HEALTH GUIDE TO ADULT BIPOLAR DISORDER. F+W Publications, Inc. Mahoney, D. (2004, January 15). Bipolar: more severe, less obvious in children: longitudinal course study. Retrieved January 25, 2011, from Academic OneFile. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2010). Bipolar disorder. Mayo Clinic. National Institute of Mental Health. (2009, April 15). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved January 24, 2011 Roesch, R. (1991). The Encyclopedia of Depression, Second Edition. New York: Facts on Life Library of Health and Living.