Bipolar Disorder is Biological
Bipolar disorder is a severe mental illness that “causes unusual shifts in mood and energy”. Bipolar disorder cause is not “entirely known”, however, genetics plays a big part in the occurrence of bipolar disorder in people. Around “50% of people with bipolar disorder have a family member with a mood disorder”. Bipolar disorder is likely caused due to a malfunction of neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin, noradrenalin, and dopamine are used in regards to the functions of the brain and body. The pleasure system of the brain and dopamine are usually linked and when a disruption to the dopamine system occurs it can lead to severe mental disorders that show different behaviors. With the disruption of the serotonin levels in the brain also result to mood disorders. People with a first degree relative are “seven times more likely to develop bipolar disorder”. Since identical twins have 100% of the same DNA they have an 80% chance of being bipolar if their twin has it. Fraternal twins only share 50% of their DNA; therefore only have a 16% chance of being bipolar if their opposite twin has it. This twin study shows the genetic link in bipolar disorder.
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but treatment has surfaced that help with the symptoms of it. Many people who suffer from bipolar disorder also suffer from depression. With this knowledge, bipolar disorder patients are often given anti-depressants, as well as mood stabilizers to help maintain their moods throughout the day. They help keep depression under control and prevent relapses from occurring. The medication for bipolar disorder must be taken as a long term process, due to bipolar disorder being a “lifelong and recurrent illness”. A treatment plan for bipolar disorder should include medication and psychotherapy will help greatly in reducing the extreme symptoms effects and helps with prevention of relapse. The medications that treat the bipolar symptoms are prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist. Medications respond differently towards different people and must be tried to see if there is a significant change. To help the doctor become more aware with the illness a chart can be made that contains sleep patterns, and symptoms. This is one way a doctor can notice if there needs to be a change in the medications the patient is taking.
Lithium is a very effective with controlling the symptoms and also helps prevent episodes. Atypical antipsychotic medications are also used in the treatment of symptoms in bipolar disorder patients. Medications like Olanzaphine , although usually used in patients that suffer from severe mania or psychosis, can also be used for “maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder […] even when a person does not have a psychotic symptoms”. For the depression that comes along with bipolar disorder, antidepressants are recommended for treatment. Fluoxetine (Prozac) and parxetine are examples of antidepressants that are usually prescribed for the bipolar depression. Some medications have a warning provide by the FDA. Certain medication warnings can include a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Those who take medications for bipolar disorder should be monitors for symptoms that can be seen as harmful in regards to changes in mood and depression. All medication changes must be talked about with a doctor. Drugs are the only biological treatment for bipolar disorder but it can also make it unappealing. These side effects include dry mouth, restlessness, bloating, acne, pain in muscles and joints, and discomfort towards cold temperatures. People who experience bothersome side effects should consult with their doctors immediately.
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