Bipolar illness is a major psychological disorder characterized by episodes of mania, depression, or mixed moods. One or the other phase may be predominant at any given time; one phase may appear alternately with the other, or both phases may be present simultaneously. Causes of this illness involve biologic, psychological interpersonal, social and cultural factors (Mosby 193). It is a life-long illness, which requires life-long treatment. Lithium, a mood stabilizer, is usually one of the first prescribed medications. Sometimes psychotherapy is helpful when combined with the drug treatment. A regular routine is also helpful in letting a bipolar individual lead a more productive lifestyle. The reason that bipolar illness is misdiagnosed so often is because the person commonly focuses on the depressive symptoms rather than the manic symptoms, whic

His parents were divorced, and since he and his mother weren't getting along, they both decided that it would be for the best if he moved to Florida to live with his father. Leaving behind his family and friends caused an episode of severe depression. He had taken LSD prior to getting on the plane for Florida, and he was convinced that he was on a plane ride to hell. He had to be restrained on the plane and tranquilized. During his first week in Florida, he had his breakdown. His father had him admitted, against his will, into a psychiatric/drug rehabilitation center. From this hospital, he constantly called his mother, begging her to let him come back home. He promised her that he would be good, he would be the best son that she could ever ask for. She eventually gave in and let him come back home to live. It took a long time for him to calm down or stabilize after moving back, but after moving out on his own he was better able to proceed with his life.

Mental illness is a hidden disease many times. It is something that happens to your neighbor, your co-worker, and yourself; and you may not even know it. There are currently many medications on the marked to help these individuals. There are anti-psychotic drugs such as tegretol and depakote. These two medications may be combined with lithium, or taken in place of it. For some bipolar individuals lithium alone does not work. There are many side effects that can occur while taking these medications, but the benefits, in general, outweigh the risks. A person experiencing or suffering from severe mania or psychotic depression may hear “voices” in their heads. These medications can help prevent these episodes from happening. There currently is great progress being made in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar illness.

There is no one cause for this illness. Some theories about what causes it are: genetics, stressful life events, and chemical imbalances (www.bipolar.com/whatisbpd/whatisBPDsections.htm). Psychologists and neurobiologists argue whether ego damaging experiences and self-deprecating thoughts or biological processes cause the depression. The mind does not exist with out the brain. Considerable evidence indicates that regardless of the initial triggers the common pathways to depression involve biochemical changes in the brain. Geneticists have provided some concrete proof of a biological connection; manic depression frequently runs in families (Scientific American 42).

Toby, another manic-depressive man was diagnosed about three years ago. He is currently prescribed lithium, to help correct or control the chemical imbalances in his brain. He is also currently taking zyprexa for feelings of paranoia. Some of the side effects, he says, are weight gain, excessive thirst, blurred vision and extreme fatigue. The medications seem to help him, to an extent, to lead a some what “normal” lifestyle. In retrospect, he believes that he has been bipolar all his life, however, his doctor thinks that it may have been drug induced. He had regularly indulged in smoking marijuana and taking LSD. The drug abuse eventually lead to his first real break down.

conferring advantage and pleasure, yet one that brings in its was almost unendurable

Bipolar disorder has many effects on the families lives as well. They range from emotional to social issues; they deal with changes in family members and the structure of the family. The family must learn how to deal with the very real threat of suicide. After the diagnosis, many families may have a series of mixed emotions such as anger or extreme guilt. They may also feel ashamed or anxious. Sometimes they worry about having caused their loved one to become bipolar because of being short-tempered or because they had been un-supportive.

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