BIPOLAR DISORDER

WILLIAM HALL EDU 214 ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, as well as fluctuations in energy and activity levels. During these abnormal shifts, the patient commonly finds it difficult to complete everyday tasks. These shifts of moods include periods of mania: (restlessness and high energy) to severe depression. Depression, which is the opposite of Mania, causes the patient to suffer from sleepless nights, feeling worthless and very low amounts of energy.

ONE EXTREME MOOD TO ANOTHER

5.7 Million Adults or 2.6% of the US population 18 years or older suffer from Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. (World Health Organization) Bipolar 1: These are patients that have experience at least one manic or mixed episode. Patients may not may not have experienced a depression stage. This stage varies from person to person. People/Patients that suffer from Dipolar Disorder will have severe/extreme mood swings or episodes. Patients will appear to have a very good mood (mania) and have energy and be very upbeat o feeling like they are worthless and will lack energy during the day(depression). However, patients will also suffer from Mixed State, in which the patient will experience both Mania and Depression states. Patients are also to have explosive and irritable behaviors. Patients can experience periods of mood swings during the day, most of the day, or it could have a couple of weeks. Sometimes these states of behavior can be so severe that people that sure from the disorder cannot function normally a home, school, or work. Bipolar II: Patients have had a least one major depression episode and one manic episode. With the Bipolar II, patients will have symptoms that will cause distress in areas of that persons life such and work, school, or relationships. Cyclothymic: Patients that suffer from Cyclothymic will have numerous episodes of mania and periods of depression. This stage causes significant distress in areas of a persons life such as work, school and relationships. Bipolar disorder can be a great teacher. Its a challenge,
but it can set you up to be able to do almost anything else in your life. Carrie Fisher

BIPOLAR DISORDER
WILLIAM HALL EDU 214 ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Physical Exam: Your doctor will perform a routine exam to check the patients height, weight, vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and temperature), exam the abdomen and listening to the patients heart and lungs. Lab Tests: The doctor would take blood and urine samples to see if there are any physical complications that may be causing the bipolar symptoms. Physiological Evaluation: A doctor or mental health specialists will ask questions about feelings, thoughts, and behavior patterns. The doctor/specialist may ask the patient to fill out a questionnaire or a psychological assessment. The doctor/specialist may also ask the patients family to participate to get their input. Mood Charting: The doctor might require the patient to keep a daily record of their moods, sleep patterns, and other factors to help determine the treatment for the patient.

National Institutes of Mental Health Bethesda, Maryland 301-496-4000 www.nih.gov/ Adventist Behavioral Health Rockville, Maryland 800-836-2782 Annapolis House Bipolar Treatment Center Annapolis, Maryland 800-571-0760 www.website.com

Hospitalization: The patients doctor may hospitalize the patient if he/she feels the patient is acting dangerous, suicidal, or even if they become detached from reality. Initial Treatment: The patient will begin treatment right away to help balance the moods. Once the moods/symptoms are under control, the patients doctor will work with them for long term treatments. Continued Treatment: Patients will work with their doctor to manage the disorder on a long term basis.

Dipolar disorder (2012) Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37010.php Dipolar Statistics Retrieved from http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=edu cation_statistics_bipolar_disorder Stages/Testing/Treatment (2012) Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolardisorder/DS00356/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis Symptoms (2008) Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolardisorder/index.shtml