Bipolar Disorder The Facts And The Myths - 900 Words

Running head: BIPOLAR DISORDER Bipolar Disorder: The Facts and the Myths John Payne American Public University Abstract This paper is a intended to teach the reader about what Bipolar Disorder is and how it is treated. The facts on bipolar disorder will be discussed, as well as the taboos associated with the disorder and complete myths that have created such stigmas about having and living with bipolar disorder. This paper will discuss what bipolar disorder is, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated. Bipolar Disorder: The Facts and the Myths Bipolar Disorder is a stigmatic disease that affects adults and 1% of adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 each year (Jones, 2015). This disease has been the feature of†¦show more content†¦This disease is much different from a regular â€Å"blue† feeling and can be accompanied by extreme manic or hypo manic episodes resulting in behavior that is abnormal to the affected individual. Criteria for bipolar disorder The criteria for bipolar disorder is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and it is published every so many years by the American Psychiatric Association. The criteria for bipolar disorder is broken down into 4 types: Bipolar 1, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic, and other. Bipolar I disorder is the most severe type of bipolar disorder. It consists of at least one manic episode and is followed by hypomanic (major depressive) episodes (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2002). These manic episodes can cause hospitalization and may even trigger a psychotic break from reality. Bipolar II disorder is signified by â€Å"at least one major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode lasting at least four days† (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2002). In this type of bipolar, there are no manic episodes. In cyclothymic disorder, there are â€Å"at least two years of numerous periods of hypomania symptoms† (M ayo Clinic Staff, 2002). It is like a cycle. Listed under other is bipolar disorder secondary to another medical condition. Causes of bipolar disorder According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there is no one cause of bipolar disorder. The disease tends to run in families and â€Å"some research has