Managing Bipolar Disorder Essay - 1266 Words

All night, Hearing voices telling me that I should get some sleep, because tomorrow might be good for something. Hold on, Im feeling like Im headed for a breakdown, I dont know why. Im not crazy, Im just a little unwell. I know, right now you cant tell, but stay awhile and maybe then youll see a different side of me. –Matchbox 20, Unwell (Thomas, 2003) Those who suffer from bipolar disorder experience constant ups and downs. The APA defines bipolar disorder as â€Å"recurrent episodes of mania alternating with episodes of major depression† (Griswold, 2000). Mania is an overexcited mood, often characterized by an unrealistic, optimistic state, excess energy, and insomnia. (King, 2010) People in states of mania also frequently†¦show more content†¦These can be used along side anti-anxiety medications (Kaplan, 1996). Every human being has a certain amount of neurotransmitters that produce different hormones, and send them throughout the body to perform their individual function. Some humans, for one reason or another, do not have enough functioning neurotransmitters for some hormones. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work by preventing the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, and thereby increasing the levels of the transmitter serotonin in the body (King, 2010). According to King ( 2010), serotonin is responsible for the regulation of sleep, mood, attention, and learning. Patients with bipolar disorder have been found to have irregularly low levels of both serotonin and norepinephine (another neurotransmitter) in their bodies, which has been linked with depressive states. SSRIs must be used concurrently with a mood stabilizer to decrease the chances of hypomania in patients. The most commonly used stabilizers are valproic acid and lithium (MacQueen, 2001). These drugs help to mellow the patient out, and make the â€Å"highs† of their swings less high, and the lows of their swings less low. In all cases where a patient is taking medications, the drugs must be carefully monitored to assess the patient’s response to the medications and to screen for other concurrentShow MoreRelatedBipolar Disorder ( Bipolar )847 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Bipolar Disorder† Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness, which involves hypomanic episodes, which are changes in someone’s usual mood. Originally, Bipolar Disorder was called manic depression because it does share similar symptoms with people diagnosed with depression. Bipolar Disorder is a severe condition because it can cause mania, which then causes hallucinations and paranoid rage. (Bipolar Disorder) Bipolar Disorder is classified into two categories, bipolar type 1 and bipolar type 2. BipolarRead MoreThe Youth Health Issue Of Bi Polar Disorder1354 Words   |  6 Pages This essay will critically evaluate contemporary approaches that address the youth health issue of bi-polar disorder. 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