Unipolar and Bipolar Disorders
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Many people become depressed at some point in their lives, but when these feelings interfere with an individual's ability to live a normal life and persist for an extended period, the individual should seek professional help. Some individuals not only experience depression but also extreme highs, known as mania, making it more difficult to live a normal,productive life.
1.Please outline the differences between unipolar and bipolar disorders.
2. Address the underlying causes of unipolar and bipolar disorders. What symptoms would indicate that an individual may be suffering from a unipolar or bipolar disorder? What treatments are available for individuals who suffer from unipolar or bipolar disorders?
3. Provide at least two references to support your research. Follow APA guidelines.
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Solution Summary
This solution responds to the questions on aspects of unipolar and bipolar disorders e.g., differences, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and others. This solution is 1,237 words.
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RESPONSE:
1. Address the underlying causes of unipolar and bipolar disorders.
Affective disorders are divided into unipolar and bipolar and this division has been generally accepted.
o The bipolar type is manifested by mania or by both mania and depression.
o On the other hand, unipolar affective disorders are manifested only by depression. http://biopsychiatry.com/biuni.htm
A definite cause for any type of depression is difficult to determine but include genetics, changes in the brain, low self-esteem and environmental factors like stress and major life changes. More research is being done to determine the relationship that these factors have in bipolar disorder, how they may help prevent its onset, and what role they may play in its treatment. (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=43020#causes).
2. What symptoms would indicate that an individual may be suffering from a unipolar or bipolar disorder?
Unipolar Disorder (Depression)
Depression symptoms include:
o Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
o Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
o Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
o Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
o Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
o Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
o Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
o Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
o Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
o Restlessness, irritability
o Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=43020).
Bipolar Disorder
The severity of the depressive and manic phases can differ from person to person and in the same person at different times.
However, the symptoms of mania ("the highs") include:
o Excessive happiness, hopefulness, and excitement
o Sudden changes from being joyful to being irritable, angry, and hostile
o Restlessness
o Rapid speech and poor concentration
o Increased energy and less need for ...
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