Bipolar I disorder
Write a term paper that contains five full pages describing bipolar I disorder from a biopsychosocial perspective.
Describe the disorder in terms of symptoms, describe biological, psychological, and social causes of the disorder and include information about treatment.
Symptoms may be described in terms of emotional symptoms, cognitive symptoms, behavioral symptoms, somatic symptoms, and impairment in social and occupational functioning.
Biological explanations may include the following: Brain structure and function, genetics, hormones, evolution/natural selection, neurotransmitters (oversupply, under supply, dysfunction)
Psychological explanations may include the following: Learning, memory, personality traits, cognition (thought patterns), trauma/stress, emotion/mood
Sociocultural explanations may include the following: Gender roles, socioeconomic status, locations (city or rural), school/education, cultural values, poverty
Treatment may include medications, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, group therapy, client centered therapy
Sample Solution
Bipolar I disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme shifts in one’s mood and energy level. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, symptoms for this disorder include typically experiencing episodes of mania and depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Biologically speaking, Bipolar I disorder is caused by an imbalance in brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (Dugdale III et al., 2018). Psychologically, the cause of bipolar I could be due to unresolved trauma or difficulty regulating emotion. Socially speaking, family dynamics can contribute to the intensification of symptoms; poor communication between relatives or lack of support can worsen symptoms as well as feeling isolated or misunderstood by other people (Taslimi & Zarghami, 2011).
Treatments vary depending on individual circumstances but options may include psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy to help individuals cope with their symptoms (Fink & Kraynak 2016). Additionally medications like mood stabilizers regulate the patient’s chemistry levels while antipsychotics are used decrease manic episodes (Walker et al., 2015). Although there is no cure currently available for Bipolar Disorder I it is possible to manage through a combination of lifestyle changes along with psychotherapy and medication when necessary.
In conclusion, Bipolar Disorder I syndrome can have detrimental effects on an individual’s life if not properly managed. It has multiple causes ranging from neurological abnormalities to environmental difficulties which must be taken into account when seeking treatment. Through supportive care structures such as family interactions combined with therapeutic methods like cognitive behavioral therapy along with medications when necessary people affected by this disease have the potential to lead fulfilling lives despite their condition.
