DelGiorno I
Bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain
disorder that develops in persons late teens or early adult years, causing unusual shifts in
a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day
tasks(“Bipolar Disorder”)Bipolar disorder is different from the normal ups and downs
that everyone goes through, often resulting in damaged relationships, poor job or school
performance, and even suicide. Symptoms of bipolar disorder begin during childhood,
while others may develop symptoms later in life. People suffer for years before they are
properly diagnosed and treated, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be
carefully managed throughout a person’s life.
The exact cause of this disorder is unknown, affecting both men and woman
equally, occurring more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder. There is no
clear cause for the manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder, but it can be
triggered by life changes such as child birth, use of antidepressants or steroids, periods of
sleeplessness, and recreational drug use(“Causes, Incidence, and Risk factors”). Other
research points to neurotransmitter imbalances, abnormal thyroid function, circadian
rhythm disturbances, and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol(Smith & Segal,
“Understanding Bipolar Disorder”).
Ignoring bipolar disorder wont make it go away, but will actually make it worse.
Living with untreated bipolar disorder can lead to problems in everything from your
career to your relationships and health. Diagnosing the problem as early as possible and
getting into treatment can help prevent these complications. Bipolar disorder requires
DelGiorno II
long-term treatment since it is a chronic, relapsing illness, it’s important to continue
treatment even when you’re feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need...