Whenever people think about medical conditions, it is very important to remember the differences between various diseases and disorders, even if they may at first seem similar. This is definitely the case with bipolar disorder and depression, and it is extremely important that those suffering from bipolar disorder know that there are differences, and the result of misdiagnosis or not receiving proper treatment can be extremely devastating. The impulsiveness and aggressiveness of bipolar disorder can lead to a higher risk of suicide than patients diagnosed with depression, according to major findings recorded with the US National Library of Medicine. With eight distinct differences in symptoms, people who experience depression or bipolar disorder must understand key mood behaviors, be accurately diagnosed and receive proper treatment.
For many patients who suffer from bipolar disorder, diagnosis can take years and several visits to the doctor before the problem is correctly identified. Bipolar mood swings can be difficult to distinguish from other problems such as clinical depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and borderline personality disorder. One of the reasons bipolar disorder can be misdiagnosed is that most people with the disorder seek help when they are in the depressive stage of the illness, not during the manic stage as they do not recognize it as part of the problem. Correctly identifying the diagnosis of bipolar disorder is challenging for a family physician, therefore choosing a psychiatrist is recommended, as they are more likely to be familiar with the latest research and treatment options available.
The Essay on Bipolar Disorder and Depression Paper
Unipolar depression and bipolar disorder are two common mood disorders. The emotions that make these two disorders classify as mood disorders are depression and mania. Depression is a mood that makes a person feel sad and low and makes life seem overwhelming and challenging. Mania, however, is the opposite. Mania is a state of emotion where a person feels an abnormally elevated mood. Both can last ...
Symptoms of bipolar disorder can dramatically fluctuate between deep depression and extreme mania. The fluctuations that vary from patient to patient can categorize which type of bipolar disorder they may be inflicted with. Bipolar I disorder is the classic form of the illness, and most severe, characterized by at least one manic or mixed episode. Bipolar II disorder involves recurring episodes of major depression and hypomania, a milder form of mania. Cyclothymia, a milder form of bipolar disorder, consists of mood swings; however, the highs and lows are not severe enough to be labeled as either mania or major depression. There are 8 unique symptoms that differentiate bipolar disorder from depression that include: exaggerated euphoria, insomnia, irritability, racing thoughts, thoughts of grandeur, rapid speech, increased hyperactivity and extremely poor judgment. Depression has 8 distinct symptoms as well that bipolar patients can also suffer from when in a low state including: sad mood, loss of energy or fatigue, appetite changes, diminished ability to concentrate, feelings of guilt or low self-esteem, loss of interest or pleasure in life, excessive or shallow sleeping and thoughts or attempts of suicide. Bipolar patients can also have a middle ground episode of experiencing both depression and mania which is called a “mixed state” that can be any combination of the sixteen symptoms listed.
Once proper diagnosis has been established, a comprehensive treatment plan for bipolar disorder is tried and tested to relieve the symptoms, restore the ability to function, fix the problems the disorder caused at home and at work, and greatly reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence. Medications are the most commonly used form of treatment which can help minimize the highs and lows of bipolar disorder and keep symptoms under control. Counseling and psychotherapy can teach an individual how to cope with difficult feelings, manage stress and regulate mood. Learning to manage day-to-day activities can help relieve stressors that can trigger manic episodes. Regular visits to a family doctor can aid in maintaining a healthier lifestyle including keeping weight under control, avoiding alcohol and drugs, starting on an exercise program and help to regulate a sleep schedule.
The Term Paper on Bipolar Disorder 2003 Depression Treatment
... known as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder causes alternate periods of mania and depression. To fully understand the ... treatment, the bipolar patient is taught to substitute positive thoughts for negative thoughts in response to cues that trigger symptoms of depression (Bipolar ... results in emotional chaos. Of all psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder is the most common, affecting between one ...
Bipolar disorder cannot be cured. Variations in mood are unpredictable and can sometimes be confused as either emerging from a bipolar phase or a response to treatment. Acceptance of the disorder, recognizing the symptoms and reaching out for help may not be the easiest pill to swallow for most bipolar patients; however, it can make all the difference in perspective and motivation. Participating in a support group enables a patient to share experiences and learn from others going through the same afflictions. The support of family and friends is extremely valuable, be very open and honest with them. Family members and friends who have not been educated about the disorder may interfere with the treatment, so disclosing true feelings and emotions as well as educating immediate loved ones can be a tremendous support system when a patient may need it most.
Depression is a surprisingly common disorder that affects almost one in every five people during their lifetime. Evidence also suggests that depression has become more common in recent years because of the increased levels of day-to-day stress. Depression can evolve from a life changing event or sometimes for no reason. For those with depression, psychiatric visits are just as important for proper treatment as patients with bipolar disorder. Too often, bipolar patients spend more time in the lows of the depressed state; they often do not consider the highs of the mania state a problem. With such similar patterns and symptoms between the two disorders, seeking professional help at any level is the best start on the road to recovery.
The Essay on Bipolar Disorder Depression Manic Episodes
... prevent depression. Psychotherapy helps the patient have self understanding, adapt to stresses, rebuild self-esteem, and improve relationships. On average, people with bipolar disorder see ... with careful observation over an extended period. Treatment for Bipolar Disorder usually includes education of the patient and the family about the illness, mood ...
Of the 37,000 men and women who committed suicide in 2009, many were responding to economic hardships and the frustration of the job market. The highest death rates were found for people between the ages of 20-24 and over 65. About 90 percent of them had depression or drug addictions, and most of the deaths involved fire arms. There people are in trouble and need help. Take the time to understand that people who experience depression or bipolar disorder must understand key mood behaviors, be accurately diagnosed and receive proper treatment before it is too late. With sixteen symptoms listed in this text, is there anyone that could use a kind word, a hug and some words of wisdom or need of professional help? My challenge to all of you reading this essay is to reach out to the person who seems most distant, who cries often or who seems way too over the top emotionally and ask them “How are you feeling today?” If we can connect and reach out to at least one person, it could make all the difference between the stability of life or a tragically early death.
References
www.nimh.nih.gov — National Institute of Mental Health
www.dbsalliance.org — Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
www.nami.org — National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nmha.org — Mental Health America
www.psych.org — The American Psychiatric Association
Benazzi F. Bipolar disorder — focuses on bipolar II disorder and mixed depression. Lancet. 2007 Mar 17;369(9565):935-45
Geddes JR, Calabrese JR, Goodwin GM. Lamotrigine for treatment of bipolar depression: independent meta-analysis and meta-regression of individual patient data from five randomized trials. Br J Psychiatry. 2009 Jan;194(1):4-9.
The Bipolar Disorder Answer Book: Professional Answers to More than 275 Top Questions by Charles Atkins, Release date: November 1, 2007