Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, affects more than 3 million Americans (Bower, 2000, 232). A brain disorder, bipolar illness creates mood swings in the individuals suffering from it, from overly high (manic) to very low (depression). These mood swings repeat themselves over time with periods of normalcy in-between. Individuals experiencing these mood swings endure periods of intense euphoria offset by ensuing periods of hopeless despair. Irritability is also a component of the disorder. The following represents a list of the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder:
Extreme irritability and distractibility
Excessive “high” or euphoric feelings
A sustained period of behavior that is different from usual
Increased energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking
Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine and alcohol
Obnoxious, provocative, or intrusive behaviors
This analysis will now explore some of the recent research literature available on this illness.
Manic depression is commonly viewed as a brain disorder, one that typically occurs in adolescence and continues throughout life. Research into this illness is extremely important because of the potentially devastating consequences of the disorder left untreated “As many as one-fifth of the estimated 3 million people in the U.S. who develop bipolar disorder eventually kill themselves” (Bower, 2000, 232). Brain chemicals and genetic components are thought to be responsible for the wild mood swings associated with the illness.
However, recent research examines the social and psychological factors that might play a role in the intense mood swings individuals with the disorder experience. According to Bower (2000, 232), those who suffer from the illness may have mood swings set into play by external environment factors like home-life, relationships, and ...