What Is Bipolar Disorder - 2131 Words

What is bipolar disorder? The author of An Unquiet Mind, Kay Jamison, suffers from bipolar disorder a serious mental illness that has made its mark on her. â€Å"Manic-depressive illness or bipolar disorder is a disorder of mood that involves recurrent episodes of abnormally elevated mood (mania) and depression.† (Burton pg.123 2009). Every case is different but all cases of bipolar have manic episodes followed by depressed states. From the decreased activity of the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine in the brain results in depression, increased activity of these monoamine neurotransmitters results in the effect of mania. (Burton 2009). Lithium is a treatment commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. Researchers†¦show more content†¦This patient has a regular pattern of this disease and does not want to take medication because he has adapted to this lifestyle of highs and lows. Over time the patient cannot resist any help and will make a change to better their li ves. Why change to medication? Being in a manic or depressed state without and support can be debilitating and Jamison understood that. Facing the fact that she will lose her job and is risking many other factors in her life, Jamison realizes that she needs to get help to continue with her life. â€Å"So after mania, when most depressed, you’re given excellent reason to be even more so.† (Jamison pg. 75 1995). She understands that being in this stage is not healthy for her and is more likely to receive treatment being through these events. The power of support is very important for a person to start treatment and to seek help. Jamison had this with her brother and co-workers they supported her and helped her when she did not believe she needed help. â€Å"Slowly, over a period of many years, I was able to pay him back what I owed him. I can never pay back the love, kindness, and understanding† (Jamison pg. 78 1995). Jamison’s brother was able to provide and help her in her darkest momen ts, he understood what it took to make her feel normalShow MoreRelatedWhat Is Bipolar Disorder?.1101 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is Bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depression, is a mental disorder. This condition primarily affects your mood and can cause extreme mood swings from elation to depression. Individuals with bipolar disorder can experience serious changes in thinking, energy and behaviour. If you have bipolar disorder you are likely to experience what are referred to as ‘episodes’ or states. The differentRead MoreWhat Is Bipolar Disorder?1546 Words   |  7 PagesWhat Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes uncommon shifts in mood, energy, ability to perform daily routines and another terminology is â€Å"manic-depressive illness†. 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A form of mental illness that has very few manic episodes and majority down, depressed episodes. Since with people with bipolar 2 never reach the full maniac stage. Yes these are the mood swings up and down, like the brain has a switch and just turns off the high and lows. The person doesn t feel in controlRead MoreUnderstanding Bipolar Disorder and Evaluating the Possible Causes and Treatments1261 Words   |  6 Pagesevery single detail of life is good. In order to understand what it is like to have your emotions throws around like they are in a hurricane, you must first understand what it is to be bipolar. If a person would like to better understand bipolar disorder, he would have to look at the life of a patient with the disorder, and understand the definition, causes, symptoms, and treatments for the disorder. 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Some people feel that people living with bipolar disorder do not need to be medicated to live a healthy fulfilling life. However to say this first a person must know what bipolar disorder is and how a person is affected by the disorder. According to Rachal Pollock PHD bipolar is described as a common recurrent, often lifelong major psychiatric disorder characterized