Bipolar Disorder Case Study

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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks”. Furthermore, in this paper I will be discussing bipolar disorder and a case involving a woman named Mary. Mary is a middle-aged Caucasian woman that is married and I’m assuming is living in mental institution because in her interview she explains that her husband came to visit and she fought him so he would leave. Aside from her living situation, Mary tells the interviewer that her mother had cancer of the spinal cord when Mary was 11 years old and was later paralyzed and died 61 years later. While watching …show more content…

The National Institute of Mental Health also states that, “Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year” (“Bipolar disorder,” 2014). And the National Institute of Mental Health states, “it is an inherited disease. More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression” (“Bipolar disorder,” 2014). In addition, people with bipolar disorder go through manic and depressive episodes. According to …show more content…

A person experiencing a manic episode is usually engaged in significant goal-directed activity beyond their normal activities. People describe a manic mood as feeling very euphoric, “on top of the world,” and being able to do or accomplish anything. The feeling is like extreme optimism — but on steroids (Bressert, 2016). And the MentalHelp.net states, “Just as the manic aspect of bipolar disorder is associated with manic episodes, the depressive aspect of bipolar disorder is likewise associated with depressive episodes. The severe form of depressive episode is known as a Major Depressive Episode.” It also states that, “People experiencing a major depressive episode may be lacking in energy and show slower, unmotivated movements, or they may appear irritable and agitated. They may have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, or they may stay up all night with insomnia. Either way, they are likely to complain of constant tiredness and difficulty concentrating on tasks” (Nemade, D, & Dombeck, 2006). Furthermore, in this paper I will be discussing bipolar disorder and a case involving a woman named

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