Description of Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Depression has been aptly described as a “a disturbance in mood, thought, and body
characterized by varying degrees of sadness, disappointment, loneliness, hopelessness, self-doubt, and guilt” . Its symptoms are categorized according to manifested changes in feelings, in behavior, as well as disclosing physical complaints. For instance, changes in feelings include: crying, displeasure, hopelessness, guilt, indifference, and pessimism. In terms of changes in behavior, the exemplified symptoms include: withdrawal, negligence, irritability, dissatisfaction, forgetfulness, confusion, inability to adapt to changes, as well as exhibiting suicidal tendencies. Finally, symptoms of physical complaints include: excessive fatigue, lack of strength or energy, insomnia, loss of appetite, persistent headaches and stomach pains.
The causes of depression were noted to be varied, depending on stressor or factors, such as genetics (the personality of the individual, family history); environmental concerns (bad neighborhood, poverty); health condition; biochemical issues (medications, infections); and chemical imbalance .
Given the causes and symptoms, the recommended interventions or treatment would actually be determined according to the root causes of depression. Some types of depression could readily be treated with medications; while others require the services of professionals through counselling and goal-oriented psychotherapy . Therefore, depending on the severity and chronic persistence, the kind of treatment would cater to the needs and demands of the patients within an identified time frame.
Bi-Polar Disorder: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Bi-polar disorder could be considered a severe case of depression described aptly as “a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks” . Accordingly, there have been four types of bi-polar disorder: Bipolar Disorder I, Bipolar Disorder II, Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, and Cyclothymic Disorder, or Cyclothymia . Other illnesses allegedly co-exist with this disorder including substance abuse, anxiety disorders, as well as “thyroid disease, migraine headaches, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other physical illnesses” . Thus, it could be deduced that bi-polar disorder is more complex in nature, as well as in discerning the symptoms and causes which make recommended interventions for treatment equally challenging.
The symptoms of bi-polar disorder include mood changes and behavioral changes. Examples of mood changes are: excessive feelings of elation or extreme feelings of agitation and irritability. On the other hand, examples of behavioral changes are: talking significantly fast; jumping from one idea to the other; restlessness; exhibiting impulsive behavior; and taking new projects at the same time. The visual representation below appropriately describes the range of mood exhibited by people afflicted with bi-polar disorder:
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
The causes of bi-polar disorder were identified to include an interplay of diverse factors, to wit: genetics, as well as brain structure and functioning. Therefore, as reported, currently there was still no identified cure for this type of illness. However, the mood swings and behavioral changes could be appropriately addressed. As disclosed, “an effective maintenance treatment plan includes medication and psychotherapy for preventing relapse and reducing symptom severity” . Some of the medications noted include mood stabilizing medications, atypical antipsychotic medications, and antidepressant medications . Concurrently, psychotherapy treatments that were revealed include: cognitive behavioral therapy, family focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and psychoeducation . Other treatments which were reported include Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and providing sleep medications.
Works Cited
George Mason University. "Coping with Depression." July 2007. Counseling and Psychological Services. http://caps.gmu.edu/educationalprograms/pamphlets/CopingWithDepression.pdf. 20 May 2013.
Grohol, John M. "Depression." 28 February 2013. PsychCentral. http://psychcentral.com/disorders/depression/. 20 May 2013.
National Institute of Mental Health. "Bipolar Disorder." 16 May 2013. nimh.nih.gov. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml. 20 May 2013.
