A Research Paper on Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a mood disorder.  A person with bipolar disorder experiences phases of extreme mood swings between debilitating lows of depression and euphoric highs called mania.  Understanding bipolar disorder can make a dramatic difference on how this mental illness is viewed.  The majority of information found about bipolar disorder may seem negative, but there are many positive attributes that can manifest from having this disorder.  There is no cure for bipolar disorder.  Palliative care focuses on treating the symptoms of the disorder so the individual becomes functional in life.  Bipolar disorder is a complicated disease that can be managed with knowledge, understanding, and patience.   This research paper will emphasize the following categories:  statistics, diagnostic criteria, non-adherence to treatment, coping skills, and positive attributes of the disorder.

Two sources contain statistical information.  “Bipolar Disorder Statistics” from the website StatisticBrain.com gives statistical information on bipolar disorder as verified by the DBS (Depression and Bipolar Support) Alliance, Bipolar ism [sic], and Bipolar Lifestyles.  It states 5.7 million adults, or 5% of the population suffers from bipolar disorder.  When one parent has the condition there is a 23% chance that it will be passed down to their child.  The probability that a child will inherit the condition increases to 66% if both parents posses the illness.  The occurrence of suicide related to the disease is 20%, reducing the average life-span by 9.2 years.  70% of people with bipolar disorder will receive at least one misdiagnosis.  The other source with the same title, “Bipolar Disorder Statistics” by DBS Alliance shows statistics for bipolar depression as reported by NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) and the World Health Organization.  Although the median age of the onset of bipolar disorder is 25, the illness can begin in early childhood or as late as 40 to 50 years old.  More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative who possess the illness which suggests the disease has a heritable component.  Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability.  Adolescents with major depression develop the disorder within five years of the onset of depression 20% of the time.  It is suggested that up to one-third of the 3.4 million children and adolescents in the United States with depression may be experiencing the early stages of bipolar disorder.

Using diagnostic criteria, it is difficult to accurately diagnose bipolar disorder.  In order to describe bipolar disorder, it is necessary to first discuss the symptoms of depression.  According to the booklet “Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Recovery” written by Ken Duckworth and distributed by NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) clinical depression, or unipolar depression, is more than just feeling a normal sense of sadness.  Major depression is a medical disorder that makes it difficult to function in life.  People who are depressed typically have feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness.  The symptoms of depression are:

 Cure Talk, Jul. 2013.

It is important to get an accurate diagnosis to rule out other possible conditions that mimic depression, such as hypothyroidism, complications from substance abuse or dependence, anemia, and certain neurological disorders.  Other psychiatric conditions may resemble manic depression such as dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  A person must exhibit both depressive and manic symptoms for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder to be made.

Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Aug. 2010.

In addition, “Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Recovery” emphasized that mood disorders are classified into two separate categories, unipolar and bipolar disorders.  Individuals who experience unipolar disorder exhibit depressive symptoms, but never experience the highs of mania.  Although they are both considered to be mood disorders, they are different illnesses.  A person with bipolar disorder experiences mood swings between the lows of depression and the highs of mania with normal periods of mood in between.

 

Hubpages, Apr. 2012.

People without the mood disorder do not have the exaggerated mood swings associated with bipolar disorder.  The moods of these individuals remain stable in the normal range.  Some people feel that they do not suffer from clinical depression because their symptoms are short lived.  They believe that they only experience SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or postpartum depression.  They do not realize that the period when they are not experiencing the symptoms of depression are the actually the normal stage between depression and mania or the cycles of hypomanic or hypermanic phase.

  Duckworth also discussed the topic of co-morbidity.  In psychiatry, this term is used when an individual exhibits two or more psychiatric disorders at the same time.  People with bipolar disorder are vulnerable to anxiety disorders, alcoholism, substance abuse, bulimia, ADHD, and migraine headaches.  Successful treatment can display improvement of these conditions.  However, drug therapy for the other conditions can cause negative effects in people with bipolar disorder.  For example, antidepressants used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder or stimulants for ADHD can worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder, possibly causing a manic episode.  When this occurs, other avenues of treatment can be utilized.  Manic depression is an illness that can reduce quality of life and often is associated with many challenges.

It is common knowledge that prescription drugs have negative side effects.  Many commercials and magazine advertisements for these medications warn to consult a physician if a patient has a history of depression, experiences a change of mood or behavior or thoughts of suicide.  These drugs have been known to cause people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder to enter into a major manic phase.

A report published by the University of Maryland Medical Center titled “Bipolar Disorder” examined the different categories of the disorder and the risk factors associated with the illness.  Bipolar disorder is classified into many different categories according to the pattern and severity of symptoms.  There are two main types.  Bipolar I is characterized by at least one manic or mixed episode and one or more depressive episodes that last at least seven days.  Manic and depressive episodes follow a regular pattern.  These episodes are more acute and severe than the other categories.  Bipolar II is characterized by predominately major depressive symptoms with occasional hypomanic episodes that last about four days.  Hypomanic symptoms of euphoria are less severe and do not last as long as mania.   

In addition, the journal article by Guy M. Goodwin and colleagues, “ECNP Consensus Meeting.  Bipolar depression.  Nice, March 2007” published in European Neuropsychopharmacology, suggested that bipolar disorder usually manifests itself in the late teen years or early twenties.  It has been found that children and those is their early teens who suffer from unipolar depression actually have bipolar depression.  It is not uncommon for children to be misdiagnosed with ADHD or ODD (oppositional defiant disorder).  It has been expressed that early intervention can be beneficial to the prognosis of the illness.  The study illustrates that bipolar disorder is a progressive illness that worsens over time.

Bipolar disorder is an illness that can reduce quality of life and often is associated with many challenges.  The research article by Holly L. Peay and colleagues “Adaptation to Bipolar Disorder and Perceived Risk to Children: A Survey of Parents with Bipolar Disorder” published in BMC (BioMed Central) Psychiatry explored the perceptions of adults with the disorder and examined the coping methods of parents who are at risk of passing on their illness to their offspring.  It expressed the heritability of bipolar disorder and the emotional struggles that each parent may have in regards to passing this debilitating disease to their children.  Parents who had a positive support system processed the ability to cope without experiencing self blame and denial. 

Susanne Gibson and colleagues analyzed the reasons why over half of the participants in the study did not follow treatment recommendations in “Understanding Treatment Non-adherence in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Survey of What Service Users Do and Why” published in BMC Psychiatry.  This source documented the reasons why many people with bipolar disorder chose not to follow medical advice.  Patients may choose non-adherence or unintentional non-adherence to treatment as prescribed because they felt that they were “better”, did not like the side effects of medications, or felt that they needed more energy to complete tasks and that skipping medication made them feel more alert.  Non-adherence leads to relapse of the illness that can cause serious side effects, including suicide.  Individuals were willing to risk the negative aspects because they enjoy the perceived positive experiences connected to the illness.  Furthermore, patients viewed the short-term results of not taking their medication as prescribed more important, rather than the long-term effects of non-adherence. 

  In their research article “The Cost of Relapse for Patients with a Manic/Mixed Episode of Bipolar Disorder in the EMBLEM Study” for Pharmacoecomonics, Jihyung Hong and his colleagues did a study to analyze the substantial costs and the economic impact of relapse of bipolar patients during a 21 month maintenance phase.  The costs involved include medications, psychiatric consultation visits, out-patient treatment, and inpatient care.  Indirect costs may be incurred by lost productivity from family members caring for the patient with the illness.  The reoccurrence of the disorder may lead to progressive functional deterioration, worsening treatment response, and clinical prognosis.  This demonstrated the importance for the patient to follow medical advice to prevent relapse and worsening of the progression of the disease.  Doctors using the DSM-IV may misdiagnose patients with unipolar depression, instead of bipolar depression, if the patient is evaluated in a depressed state.  This can lead to treatment that has a poor outcome. 

Despite the many effective treatments for bipolar disorder, many patients find it difficult to adhere to treatment.  However, “Insight in Bipolar Disorder” written by Klára Látalová, M.D. Ph.D., for Psychiatric Quarterly, illustrated the value of insight for bipolar disorder.  The association has shown better results in the treatment of the disorder.  Awareness about the disorder has led to patients adhering to treatment which leads to better outcomes.  Information is a factor in successful treatment.

Acquiring necessary coping skills has a valuable impact in the lives of people with bipolar disorder and those who interact with them.  In the book, Living with Someone Who's Living with Bipolar Disorder:  A Practical Guide for Family, Friends, and Coworkers, authors Chelsea Lowe and Bruce M. Cohen, showed that having an understanding of the illness can help others not affected by the disease cope with the behavior of the person with bipolar disorder.  Knowledge about the illness and possessing the skills on how to deal with the triggers that can worsen the behavior of the individual with bipolar disorder can make life easier for everyone involved.  The importance of understanding, knowledge, and support is invaluable to coping with the everyday life of a person suffering with bipolar disorder.  A basic understanding of the influence of communication is crucial.  When communicating, it is important to show respect by listening to what they have to say.  Be noncritical, positive, and provide praise.  Avoid physical confrontation and give them space.  Do not blame or belittle.  Don't get involved with no-win arguments and know when to walk away (129).  It is essential that everyone involved educate themselves on the symptoms, treatments, and the latest research.

In spite of the negative characteristics surrounding the disorder, some patients consider some of the symptoms as positive.  In her book, Touched with Fire, Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., cited many works of people throughout history who suffer from bipolar disorder.  She described work from numerous famous people, both literal and visual artists.  According to journals and medical records at the time of their lives, she showed the likelihood of the person having the disorder and how their moods affected their personal and professional lives.  She documented their productivity and quality of work depending on the state of mood they were experiencing during the creative process.  Artistic temperament can be closely associated with a characteristic of manic depression.  “Another argument set forth against an association between ‘madness’ and artistic creativity is that a bit of madness and turmoil is part and parcel of the artistic temperament, and the artists are just more sensitive to life and the experiences of life than are other people.” (90)  Some of the famous people that were mentioned are poet Edgar Allan Poe, writer Charles Dickens, and artists Vincent Van Gogh and Michelangelo.

Similarly, Tracy Pedersen's website article, "Benefits of Bipolar Disorder?" from psychcentral.com, described a study where some individuals experience positive effects with having bipolar disorder.  Researchers investigated evidence and reported that some people value certain experiences associated with the disorder and would prefer to retain their condition. Some of the aspects of this illness can be considered highly valuable attributes in some people.  The ability to achieve at high levels of success is extremely rewarding.  One of the participants declared, "It's almost as if it opens up something in the brain that isn't otherwise there, and I see color much more vividly than I used to...So I think that my access to music and art are something for which I'm grateful to bipolar for enhancing.  It's almost as if it's a magnifying glass that sits between that and myself."  Some people believe that positive benefits could be acquired from the low points also, such as having increased empathy for the suffering of others.  This article revealed some benefits of this illness and why some people refuse treatment.

For instance, in her article “Is There a Bright Side to Bipolar Disorder?” from everydayhealth.com, Madeline Vann, MPH, described advantages of bipolar disorder that are considered to be appealing to those who have the condition.  These characteristics include productivity, confidence, charm, euphoria, and insight.  Productivity is often caused by manic episodes which allow the individual to have higher energy and need less sleep.  This often increases the likelihood of burnout.   Confidence in oneself during manic episodes increases which allows them to believe that they have the ability to achieve goals that are often unattainable.  As their self confidence grows, their energy increases, and they become more outgoing and charming.  This allows them to be the center of attention, “the life of the party”.  Euphoria describes the feeling of joy and excitement about life.  When they’re in a manic state, the awareness and experience of life is enhanced to such a level that it is exaggerated.  These feelings also creates a perception of increased intellect and insight   Although there are many disadvantages associated with the illness, some patients risk the negative effects by discontinuing treatment because they miss the positive aspects involved with the disorder.  This article illustrated the reasons why some people choose to deny medical intervention.

Bipolar disorder has held a negative connotation for many people.  The social stigma associated with this mental illness can be attributed to the fact that the general public does not understand the illness. They are uninformed about definition of bipolar disorder and make assumptions that do not necessarily correlate with the facts.  The illness has been linked to words such as crazy, maniac, and madness causing negative reactions and fear.   This research paper emphasized the following categories:  statistics, diagnostic criteria, non-adherence to treatment, coping skills, and positive attributes of the disorder.  Although bipolar disorder is a misunderstood disease with many negative and positive aspects, it can be managed with knowledge, understanding, and patience.   

Works Cited

“Bipolar Disorder.” Umm.edu. University of Maryland Medical Center. n.d. Web. 18 Jan.

2014.

“Bipolar Disorder Statistics.” Dbsalliance.org. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.  n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2014.

“Bipolar Disorder Statistics.” Statisticbrain.com. Statistic Brain. Jul. 2012. Web. 18 Jan.

2014.

Duckworth, Ken. “Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Recovery.” Nami.org. National

Alliance of Mental Illness, Aug. 2008. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.

Gibson, Susanne, et al. “Understanding Treatment Non-adherence in Schizophrenia and

Bipolar Disorder: A Survey of What Service Users Do and Why.” BMC Psychiatry 13.1 (2013): 1-12. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Jan. 2014.

Goodwin, Guy M., et al. “ECNP Consensus Meeting.  Bipolar Depression.  Nice, March

2007.” European Neuropsychopharmacology 18 (2008): 535-549. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Jan. 2014.

Hong, Jihyung, et al. “The Cost of Relapse for Patients with a Manic/Mixed Episode of

Bipolar Disorder in the EMBLEM Study.” Pharmacoecomonics 28.7 (2010): 555-566. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.

Jamison, Kay R. Touched with Fire. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1993. Print. 

Látalová, Klára. “Insight in Bipolar Disorder.” Psychiatry Quarterly 83 (2012): 293-310.

Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. 

Lowe, Chelsea and Bruce M. Cohen. Living with Someone Who’s Living with Bipolar

Disorder: A Practical Guide for Family, Friends, and Coworkers. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 2010. Print. 

Peay, Holly L., et al. “Adaptation to Bipolar Disorder and Perceived Risk to Children: A

Survey of Parents With Bipolar Disorder.” BMC Psychiatry 13.1 (2013): 1-18. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. 

Pedersen, Tracy. “Benefits of Bipolar Disorder?” Psychcentral.com. Psych Central. May

            2012. Web. Jan. 23, 2014.

Vann, Madeline. “Is There a Bright Side to Bipolar Disorder?” Everydayhealth.com.

Everyday Health Media, LLC. n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2014. 

Images Cited

becauseilive. “How to Tell if You Have Bipolar Disorder.” Hubpages.com. Hubpages, 

Apr. 2012. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.

“Causes of Depression (Sociological, Physical, Psychological Causes).”  Trialx.com. 

Cure Talk.  Jul. 2013.  Web. 21 Jun. 2014.

Khalife, Sami, Vivek Singh, and David J. Munzina. “Bipolar Disorder.”

Clevelandclinicmeded.com. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.  Aug. 2010. Web.  23 Jan. 2014.

Literature Review

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a mood disorder.  There is a social stigma associated with this mental illness because society does not understand it. The behavior exhibited by those with bipolar disorder can be described using the words crazy, maniac, and madness.   Understanding bipolar disorder can make a dramatic difference on how this mental illness is viewed.  The majority of information found about bipolar disorder may seem negative, but there are many positive attributes that can manifest from having this disorder.  Bipolar disorder is a complicated disease that can be managed with knowledge, understanding, and patience.  My research paper will emphasize the following categories:  statistics, diagnostic criteria, effective treatment, positive attributes of the disorder, and coping skills.

Two separate sources contained statistical information.  “Bipolar Disorder Statistics” by DBS Alliance (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance), shows statistics for bipolar depression as reported by NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health).  It includes the number of the American population affected by the disease, the age of onset for the disorder, and the factors of how heredity affects the development of the disorder in an individual.  This article will help to document the prevalence of the disorder in our society.  Another article with the same title from the website Statistic Brain gives statistical information on bipolar disorder as verified by the DBS Alliance, Bipolar ism [sic], and Bipolar Lifestyles.  It elaborates on aspects of the disorder by distributing the statistical information into sub categories.  The use of this source will add additional information about the prevalence of the illness in the population.

 Using diagnostic criteria, it is still difficult to accurately diagnose bipolar disorder.  A resource from the John Hopkins Medicine Health Library, “Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder” gives the definition of bipolar disorder, explains who is affected by the illness, as well as the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.  It gives a thorough list of symptoms in comparison to the other resources I have encountered.  This is a valuable source for describing the criteria of the illness for my research paper.  In fact, Jules Angst reported in a journal article titled “Bipolar Disorders in DSM-5: Strengths, Problems and Perspectives” published in the International Journal of Bipolar Disorders explores the differences in the diagnostic classification of bipolar disorder between the DSM-IV and DSM-V.  Healthcare professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a guide to diagnose mental illness.  The updated version has created subdiagnostic bipolar categories allowing them to more accurately diagnose and treat the disorder.  It will help to clarify the diagnostic criteria when describing the disorder.  The journal article “Everyday Functional Ability Across Different Phases of Bipolar Disorder” published in Psychiatry Research written by Henry L. Brook, Arpi Minassian, and William Perry elaborates on the neurocognitive impairment and functional deficits characterized in bipolar disorder.  It assesses the functionality, impairment, and limitations of patients diagnosed with bipolar depression in their daily lives.  This article will show that bipolar disorder is a serious illness that can adversely affect the everyday lives of individuals who are affected by it.  A report published by the University of Maryland Medical Center titled “Bipolar Disorder” explores the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of bipolar disorder.  It examines the different categories of the disorder, risk factors associated with the illness, other disorders that accompany the disease, similar conditions that can mimic bipolar disorder, and the treatment of the various forms of the disorder.  The use of this resource will enhance the information that I have already collected creating a paper with more details to support my paper.  Bipolar disorder is an illness that can reduce quality of life and often is associated with many challenges.  The research article, “Adaptation to Bipolar Disorder and Perceived Risk to Children: A Survey of Parents With Bipolar Disorder” for BMC (BioMed Central) Psychiatry by Holly L. Peay and colleagues, explore the perceptions of adults with the disorder and examines the coping methods of parents who are at risk of passing on their illness to their offspring.  This information will be used to inform my readers about the heritability of bipolar disorder and the emotional struggles that each parent may have in regards to passing this debilitating disease to their children.  In addition, the journal article by Guy M. Goodwin and colleagues, “ECNP Consensus Meeting.  Bipolar depression.  Nice, March 2007” published in European Neuropsychopharmacology, bipolar disorder usually manifests itself in the late teen years or early twenties.  It has been found that children and those is their early teens who suffer from unipolar depression actually have bipolar depression.  It is not uncommon for children to be misdiagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).  This study will help me illustrate how this is a progressive illness that worsens over time.     

Despite the many effective treatments for bipolar disorder, many patients find it difficult to adhere to treatment.  In the pamphlet “Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Recovery” written by Ken Duckworth and distributed by NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), it describes the symptoms of bipolar disorder.  It specifies some of the causes of the disorder along with other disorders that are associated with the disease.  It elaborates on the risks of letting the illness go untreated as well as treatment using medication and coping strategies.  In my final paper, I will use this information to describe bipolar disorder and its treatment.  The research article by Victoria E. Cosgrove and Trisha Suppes, “Informing DSM-5: Biological Boundaries Between Bipolar I Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Schizophrenia” for BMC Medicine, shows that the DSM-V opted to retain the criteria that distinguish the differences between these three disorders.  These mood disorders are similar and they are often misdiagnosed for one another.  Many of the same medications are used to treat all these disorders.  I will use this source to discuss the use of medication in treating bipolar depression.  Susanne Gibson and colleagues provide statistical information and analyze reasons why over half of the participants in the study do not follow treatment recommendations in their research article “Understanding Treatment Non-adherence in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Survey of What Service Users Do and Why” in BMC Psychiatry.  Patients may choose non-adherence or unintentional non-adherence to treatment as prescribed because they felt that they were “better”, did not like the side effects of medications, or felt that they needed more energy to complete tasks and that skipping medication made them more alert.  Non-adherence leads to relapse of the illness that can cause serious side effects, including suicide.  This source will help to document the reasons why many people with bipolar disorder choose not to follow medical advice.  Bipolar disorder is a debilitating illness that may require intensive treatment that frequently requires impatient psychiatric care.  In their research article “The Cost of Relapse for Patients with a Manic/Mixed Episode of Bipolar Disorder in the EMBLEM Study” for Pharmacoecomonics, Jihyung Hong and his colleagues did a study to analyze the substantial costs and the economic impact of relapse of bipolar patients during a 21 month maintenance phase.  The reoccurrence of the disorder may lead to progressive functional deterioration, worsening treatment response, and clinical prognosis.  This information will show the importance for the patient to follow medical advice to prevent relapse and worsening of the progression of the disease.  Doctors using the DSM-IV may misdiagnose patients with unipolar depression, instead of bipolar depression, if the patient is evaluated in a depressed state.  This can lead to treatment that has a poor outcome.  In their journal article “Identify Changes of Brain Regional Homogeneity in Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Depression Using Resting-State fMRI” Min-Jie Liang and colleagues discuss how the use of fMRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may aid in correctly diagnosing bipolar disorder by studying abnormalities in specific parts of the brain.  This information may help to demonstrate that these disorders are caused by biological changes in the brain and aid in the correct diagnosis leading to proper treatment.  When comparing the diagnostic criteria between bipolar I and II disorder, the symptoms are similar.  Antipsychotic drugs are used for patients with bipolar I because they are more cognitively impaired compared to those who are type II.  For the research article “Neurocognitive Function in Bipolar Disorder: a Comparison Between Bipolar I and II Disorder and Matched Controls” for BMC Psychiatry, Erik Pålsson and his colleagues performed various neuropsychological tests on subjects with bipolar I and II disorder and a control group to determine their neurocognitive function.  The test results were similar in those with bipolar disorder.  Antipsychotic treatment manifested as a strong prediction of cognitive impairment.  Using this information for my project will show that there is a close relationship between bipolar I and II disorder.  In the publication Bipolar Disorder published on the government website for the Department of Health and Human Services, it gives general information on the different aspects of bipolar disorder as reported by NIMH.  It includes information about the different causes, signs and symptoms, risks, a list of the various forms of the disorder, the different treatments used for this illness as well as finding support.  Included are some of the negatives side effects associated the different medications prescribed to patients.  I found this resource to be valuable because it provided a wide range of information that can be incorporated into my work.  However, “Insight in Bipolar Disorder” written by Klára Látalová, M.D. Ph.D., for Psychiatric Quarterly, illustrates the value of insight for bipolar disorder.  The association has shown better results in the treatment of the disorder.  Awareness about the disorder has led to patients adhering to treatment which leads to better outcomes.  Information is a factor in successful treatment.  I will use this to demonstrate that knowledge is a powerful tool in coping with bipolar disorder.   

In spite of the negative characteristics surrounding the disorder, some patients consider some of the symptoms as positive.  In her book, Touched with Fire, Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., cites many works of people throughout history who suffer from bipolar disorder.  She describes work from numerous famous people, both literal and visual artists.  According to journals and medical records at the time of their lives, she shows the likelihood of the person having the disorder and how their moods affected their personal and professional lives.  She documents their productivity and quality of work depending on the state of mood they were experiencing during the creative process.  I plan to use this information to show that there are some positive aspects to having this illness.  Similarly, Tracy Pedersen’s website article, “Benefits of Bipolar Disorder?” from psychcentral.com, she describes a study where some individuals experience positive effects with having bipolar disorder.  Researchers investigated evidence and reported that some people value certain experiences associated with the disorder and would prefer to retain their condition.  Some of the aspects of this illness can be considered as highly valuable attributes in some people.  This article will reveal some benefits of this illness and why some people refuse treatment.  For instance, in her article “Is There a Bright Side to Bipolar Disorder?”from everydayhealth.com, Madeline Vann, MPH, describes advantages of bipolar disorder that are considered to be appealing to those who have the condition.  These characteristics include productivity, confidence, charm, euphoria, and insight. Although there are many disadvantages associated with the illness, some patients risk the negative effects by discontinuing treatment because they miss the positive aspects involved with the disorder.  This will illustrate the reasons why some people choose to deny medical intervention.

Lastly, acquiring necessary coping skills has a valuable impact in the lives of people with bipolar disorder and those who interact with them.  In the book, Living with Someone Who’s Living with Bipolar Disorder: A Practical Guide for Family, Friends, and Coworkers, authors Chelsea Lowe and Bruce M. Cohen, describe bipolar disorder and shows how having an understanding of the illness can help others not affected by the disease cope with the behavior of the person affected by the disease.  Knowledge about the illness and possessing the skills on how to deal with the triggers that can worsen the behavior of the individual with bipolar disorder can make life easier for everyone involved.  This resource will help me show the importance that understanding, knowledge, and support can bring to coping with the everyday life of a person suffering with bipolar disorder.

Annotated Bibliography

Angst, Jules. “Bipolar Disorders in DSM-5: Strengths, Problems and Perspectives.”

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders. 1:12 (2013):1-3. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Jan. 2014.

 

This journal article written by Jules Angst explores the differences in the diagnostic classification of bipolar disorder between the DSM-IV and DSM-V.  Healthcare professionals use the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as a guide to diagnose mental illness.  The updated version has created subdiagnostic bipolar categories allowing them to more accurately diagnose and treat the disorder.  This source will help to better describe the diagnostic criteria when describing the disorder.

 

“Bipolar Disorder.” Umm.edu. University of Maryland Medical Center. n.d. Web. 18

Jan. 2014.

 

This report from the University of Maryland Medical Center explores the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of bipolar disorder.  It examines the different categories of the disorder, risk factors associated with the illness, other disorders that accompany the disease, similar conditions that can mimic bipolar disorder, and the treatment of the various forms of the disorder. 

 

 

“Bipolar Disorder Statistics.” Dbsalliance.org. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. 

This resource from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance shows statistics for bipolar depression as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health.  It includes the number of the American population affected by the disease, the age of onset for the disorder, and the factors of how heredity affects the development of the disorder in an individual.  This article will help to document the prevalence of the disorder in our society.

 

“Bipolar Disorder Statistics.” Statisticbrain.com. Statistic Brain. Jul. 2012. Web. 18 Jan.

2014.

This article from Statistic Brain gives statistical information on bipolar disorder as verified by the DBS (Depression and Bipolar Support) Alliance, Bipolar ism, and Bipolar Lifestyles.  It elaborates on aspects of the disorder by distributing the information into sub categories.  The use of this source will add additional information about the prevalence of the illness in the population.

 

Cosgrove, Victoria E. and Trisha Suppes. “Informing DSM-5: Biological Boundaries

Between Bipolar I Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Schizophrenia.” BMC Medicine 11:127 (2013): 1-7. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. 

The journal article written by Victoria E. Cosgrove and Trisha Suppes shows that the DSM-V opted to retain the criteria that distinguish the differences between those three disorders.  These mood disorders are similar and they are often misdiagnosed for one another.  Many of the same medications are used to treat all these disorders.  I will use this source to discuss the use of medication in treating bipolar depression. 

 

Duckworth, Ken. “Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Recovery.” Nami.org. National

Alliance of Mental Illness, Aug. 2008. Web. 23 Jan. 2014. 

This pamphlet, written by Ken Duckworth and distributed by NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), describes the symptoms of bipolar disorder.  It specifies some of the causes of the disorder along with other disorders that are associated with the disease.  It elaborates on the risks of letting the illness go untreated as well as treatment strategies using medication and coping strategies.  In my final paper, I will use this information to describe bipolar disorder and its treatment.

 

Gibson, Susanne, et al. “Understanding Treatment Non-adherence in Schizophrenia and

Bipolar Disorder: A Survey of What Service Users Do and Why.” BMC Psychiatry 13.1 (2013): 1-12. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. 

Susanne Gibson and colleagues provide statistical information and analyze reasons why over half of the participants in the study do not follow treatment recommendations.  Patients may choose non-adherence or unintentional non-adherence to treatment as prescribed because they felt that they were “better”, did not like the side effects of medications, or felt that they needed more energy to complete tasks and that skipping medication made them more alert.  Non-adherence leads to relapse of the illness that can cause serious side effects, including suicide.  This source will help to document the reasons why many people with bipolar disorder choose not to follow medical advice. 

 

Goodwin, Guy M., et al. “ECNP Consensus Meeting.  Bipolar Depression.  Nice, March

2007.” European Neuropsychopharmacology 18 (2008): 535-549. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Jan. 2014. 

According to this journal article by Guy M. Goodwin and colleagues, bipolar disorder usually manifests itself in the late teen years or early twenties.  It has been found that children and those is their early teens who suffer from unipolar depression actually have bipolar depression.  It is not uncommon for children to be misdiagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).  This study will help me illustrate how this is a progressive illness that worsens over time. 

 

Henry, Brook L., Arpi Minassian, and William Perry. “Everyday Functional Ability

Across Different Phases of Bipolar Disorder.” Psychiatry Research 210 (2013):  850-856. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. 

This journal article written by Henry L. Brook, Arpi Minassian, and William Perry elaborates on the neurocognitive impairment and functional deficits characterized in bipolar disorder.  It assesses the functionality, impairment, and limitations of patients diagnosed with bipolar depression in their daily lives.  This article will show that bipolar disorder is a serious illness that can adversely affect the everyday lives of individuals who are affected by it.

 

 

Hong, Jihyung, et al. “The Cost of Relapse for Patients with a Manic/Mixed Episode of

Bipolar Disorder in the EMBLEM Study.” Pharmacoecomonics 28.7 (2010): 555-566. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.

Bipolar disorder is a debilitating illness that may require intensive treatment that frequently requires impatient psychiatric care.  Jihyung Hong and his colleagues did a study to analyze the substantial costs and the economic impact of relapse of bipolar patients during a 21 month maintenance phase.  The reoccurrence of the disorder may lead to progressive functional deterioration, worsening treatment response, and clinical prognosis.  This information will show the importance for the patient to follow medical advice to prevent relapse and worsening of the progression of the disease. 

 

Jamison, Kay R. Touched with Fire. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1993. Print. 

In her book, Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D, cites many works of people throughout history who suffer from bipolar disorder.  She describes work from numerous famous people, both literal and visual artists.  According to journals and medical records at the time of their lives, she shows the likelihood of the person having the disorder and how their moods affected their personal and professional lives.  She documents their productivity and quality of work depending on the state of mood they were experiencing during the creative process.  I plan to use this information to show that there are some positive aspects to having this illness. 

 

Látalová, Klára. “Insight in Bipolar Disorder.” Psychiatric Quarterly 83 (2012): 293-310.

Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Jan. 2014.

This paper written by Klára Látalová, M.D. Ph.D., for Psychiatric Quarterly, illustrates the value of insight for bipolar disorder.  The association has shown better results in the treatment of the disorder.  Awareness about the disorder has led to patients adhering to treatment which leads to better outcomes.  Information is a factor in successful treatment.  I will use this to demonstrate that knowledge is a powerful tool in coping with bipolar disorder.      

 

Liang, Min-Jie, et al. “Identify Changes of Brain Regional Homogeneity in Bipolar

Disorder and Unipolar Depression Using Resting-State fMRI.” PLOS ONE 8:12 (2013) 1-8. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. 

Doctors using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) may misdiagnose patients with unipolar depression, instead of bipolar depression, if the patient is evaluated in a depressed state.  This can lead to treatment that has a poor outcome.  Min-Jie Liang and colleagues discuss how the use of fMRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may aid in correctly diagnosing bipolar disorder by studying abnormalities in specific parts of the brain.  This information may help to demonstrate that these disorders are caused by biological changes in the brain and aid in the correct diagnosis leading to proper treatment. 

 

Lowe, Chelsea and Bruce M. Cohen. Living with Someone Who’s Living with Bipolar

Disorder: A Practical Guide for Family, Friends, and Coworkers. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 2010. Print.

In this book, Lowe and Cohen, describe bipolar disorder and shows how having an understanding of the illness can help others not affected by the disease cope with the behavior of the person affected by the disease.  Knowledge about the illness and possessing the skills on how to deal with the triggers that can worsen the behavior of the individual with bipolar disorder can make life easier for everyone involved.  This resource will help me show the importance that understanding, knowledge, and support can bring to coping with the everyday life of a person suffering with bipolar disorder.

 

“Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder.” Hopkinsmedicine.org. John Hopkins Medicine

Health Library. n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. 

In this resource from the John Hopkins Medicine Health Library, it gives the definition of bipolar disorder, explains who is affected by the illness, as well as the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.  It gives a thorough list of symptoms compared to other resources I have studied.  This list is a valuable resource for describing the criteria of the illness for my research paper. 

 

 

Pålsson, Erik, et al. “Neurocognitive Function in Bipolar Disorder: a Comparison

Between Bipolar I and II Disorder and Matched Controls.” BMC Psychiatry 13:165 (2013) 1-9. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Jan. 2014.

When comparing the diagnostic criteria between bipolar I and II disorder, the symptoms are similar.  Antipsychotic drugs are used for patients with bipolar I because they are more cognitively impaired compared to those who are type II.  Erik Pålsson and his colleagues performed various neuropsychological tests on subjects with bipolar I and II disorder and a control group to determine their neurocognitive function.  The test results were similar in those with bipolar disorder.  Antipsychotic treatment manifested as a strong prediction of cognitive impairment.  Using this information for my project will show that there is a close relationship between bipolar I and II disorder.

 

Peay, Holly L., et al. “Adaptation to Bipolar Disorder and Perceived Risk to Children: A

Survey of Parents With Bipolar Disorder.” BMC Psychiatry 13.1 (2013): 1-18. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. 

Bipolar disorder is an illness that can reduce quality of life and often is associated with many challenges.  This research article by Holly L. Peay and colleagues explore the perceptions of adults with the disorder and examines the coping methods of parents who are at risk of passing on their illness to their offspring.  This information will be used to inform my readers about the heritability of bipolar disorder and the emotional struggles that each parent may have in regards to passing this debilitating disease to their children.   

 

Pedersen, Tracy. “Benefits of Bipolar Disorder?” Psychcentral.com. Psych Central. May

2012. Web. Jan. 23, 2014

According to Tracy Pedersen’s website article, she describes a study where some individuals experience positive effects with bipolar disorder.  Researchers investigated evidence and reported that some people value certain experiences associated with the disorder and would prefer to retain their condition.  Some of the aspects of this illness can be considered as highly valuable attributes in some people.  This article will reveal some benefits of this illness and why some people refuse treatment. 

 

United States. Dept. of Health and Human Services.  Bipolar Disorder. NIMH

Publication 08-3679. 2008. WEB. 18 Jan. 2014.

In this report from The National Institute of Mental Health, it gives general information on all the different aspects of bipolar disorder.  It includes information about the different causes, signs and symptoms, risks, a list of the various forms of the disorder, the different treatments used for this illness as well as finding support.  Included are some of the negatives side effects associated the different medications prescribed to patients.  I found this resource to be valuable because it provided a wide range of information that can be incorporated into my work. 

 

Vann, Madeline. “Is There a Bright Side to Bipolar Disorder?” Everydayhealth.com.

Everyday Health Media, LLC. n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.

 In her article, Madeline Vann, MPH, describes advantages of bipolar disorder that are considered to be appealing to those who have the condition.  These characteristics include productivity, confidence, charm, euphoria, and insight. Although there are many disadvantages associated with the illness, some patients risk the negative effects by discontinuing treatment because they miss the positive aspects involved with the disorder.  This will illustrate the reasons why some people choose to deny medical intervention.