Bipolar Disorder
...can appear in almost anyone. Even the great painter Vincent Van Gogh is believed to have had bipolar disorder. It is clear that in our society many people live with bipolar disorder; however, despite the amount of people suffering from it, we are still waiting for explanations for the causes and cure. The one fact of which we are aware of is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its victim's ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success.
"Bipolar disorder, also known as manic- depression illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function" (Spearing 2002). "It is much less common than major depression disorder, affecting about 1.2% of the U.S. population in any given year, and the lifetime prevalence rates are about the same for males and females" (Wood, Wood, and Boyd 2006). Every normal person has their own ups and downs but the symptoms for bipolar patients can be severe (Spearing 2002). The disorder can ruin relationships, cause poor job or school performance, and even cause people to commit suicide (Spearing 2002). Although this disorder can be freighting it can be treated and people can lead full and productive lives (Spearing 2002).
Bipolar disorder has a large variety of symptoms which are divided into two categories called mania and hypomania. In the book Bipolar Disorder Demystified by Lana Castle
"Mania involves extreme changes of moods, thoughts, and feelings; appetite and sleep patterns; energy and activity levels; self-esteem and confidence; and concentration and decision making abilities. The signs and symptoms of hypomania are, for the most part, the same as mania but are less severe. Symptoms and mood- shift patterns vary with each individual and appear in differing degrees. Some people plunge directly from an extreme high to severe depression....
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