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Bi Polar Disorder
Bi polar disorder is a type of brain
affliction, that induces unexpected and unexplained changes in
an individuals mood. It effects the individual's power to perform
various and day to day tasks. Of late, it has been differentiated
from other problems like manic depression. Every individual goes
through their share of highs and lows but the symptoms of this
illness are more serious. It usually impairs individual relationships.
It also affects school and work achievements and activities. If
left untreated, it can also lead to suicide.
Medically, it is categorized into four types as below:
-
Bi polar I
- Bi
polar II
- Cyclothymic
Disorder
- Bi
polar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Psychiatrist
and psychologists frequently use this classification to identify
and diagnose it, and a detailed treatment plan suiting the individual
can be prepared only when the it's type is identified.
It affects individuals from both gender and all ages. Teenagers
and young children have also bee found to be suffering from it as
well. It is reported that approx. 6 million Americans of 18 years
and over suffer from it, which constitutes about 2.6% of total population.
The first symptoms are usually visible during the early twenties,
though extensive research suggests that the initial signs occur
much sooner.
The first warning sign of bi polar disorder can appear at
any point in life. The behavioral patterns of individuals from different
age groups too differ, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Usually
individuals suffer for years before it is correctly identified and
plan of treatment is formulated. After diagnosis, it is very important
to manage it very carefully - just like any other lifelong problems
(e.g., diabetes, blood pressure or heart disease).
Being a persistent problem, it is very vital to manage this disease.
In the developed world, untreated patients have a high risk of death
by suicide (approx 15%). It is the third most important reason of
death among people in the 15-24 years age group in the developed
world. It is also the 6th largest reason of disability for individuals
of 15-44 years age group. Individuals who are conscious of their
affliction often try to treat themselves leading to addiction and
dependency thus amplifying the problem.
So far, the precise reason as to why it even exists has not been
identified. Nevertheless, experts name a number of causes including
genetic, as it is known to run in families, where the relatives
of a person who suffers from it will often have a greater chance
of suffering from the it as well. Normally the illness lies inactive
in the person's system and is activated only by some kind of emotional
trauma.
Research suggests that multiple factors can contribute to it. The
causes are both genetic as well as environmental. For example, there
seems to be a relation between it and the amount of sleep a person
gets, with research showing that people who suffer from it often
have problems sleeping and suffer from a number of sleep related
problems.
Current research to reveal the causes and factors leading to bipolar
disorder is being undertaken.
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