Genetics, Brain Structure, And Behavior

Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is a depressive disorder (Buchana, 2007). Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness describes as a deep or persistent reaction of despondency or despair, as the loss of interest in areas of life that was once appreciated. Bipolar disorder is distinguished by mood swings from deep depression to intense euphoria, with some phases of normalcy. An individual suffering from bipolar disorder may display additional symptoms associated with progressive brain disorder. During the manic state, a person’s mood is raised significantly, expansive, or are extremely irritable. This type of behavior may cause an up-roar in one’s professional and soc ...view middle of the document...

One possible factor for the occurrence of this disorder is the theory that the surplus of one’s cells may cause the change in an individual’s brain chemistry. These changes are connected with the symptoms of this disorder. Bipolar disorder, including schizophrenia, is known as a brain disease with biological etiologies due to the damage that is subjects a person’s mind to experience. Other causes of bipolar disorder are the link between biochemical creating imbalance, genetics, and environment. The Biochemical is having a physical change in their brain’s neurotransmitters connected to mood, or a possible hormonal imbalance. Genetics may play a part if the biological family members share the same symptoms too. There is proof that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia share a link between the two illnesses (Mayo Clinic, 2008).The behaviors and functions that may occur with individuals suffering from bipolar disorder, varies from extreme mood swings, described as manic episodes, depressive episodes, or mixed episodes. Mixed episodes are a combination of manic and depressive state at the same time (Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, 2008). The behaviors of the bipolar disorder can range from recklessness to listlessness. Having such mood instability can be very serious and very disabling for the reason that the bipolar disorder has symptoms that reflect a range of mood swings. Presented is a list of symptoms an individual may experience during the maniac phase of the illness (Mayo Clinic, 2008).•Euphoria•Extreme optimism•Inflated self-esteem•Poor judgment•(Bipolar Lives, 2008)Rapid speech•Racing thoughts•Aggressive behavior•Agitation•Increased physical activity•Risky behavior•Spending sprees•Increased driver to perform or achieve goals•Increased sexual drive•Decreased need for sleep•Tendency to be easily distracted•Inability to concentrate•Drug useBelow is a list of symptoms a person suffering from bipolar disorder may experience during the depressive state (Mayo Clinic, 2008).•Sadness•Hopelessness•Suicidal thought or behavior•Anxiety•Guilt sleep problems•Appetite problems•Fatigue•Loss of interest in daily activities•Problems concentrating•Chronic pain without a known causeBipolar affects men, women, and children throughout the world. The lifetime risk for bipolar disorder in the general population is low, somewhere between 0.5 and 1.6%, but it can be one of the most debilitating and lethal psychiatric disorders, with a suicide rate between 10 and 20%. Roughly 80 to 90% of individuals with bipolar disorder have a family history of some mood disorder (Wickens, 2005). First-degree relatives of bipolar patients have an 11.5% risk of developing the disease, which is 15 to 20 times higher than in the general population bipolar illness is approximately 10 times less likely than unipolar depression and occ...