Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms of the disorder
Emotional functioning decreases
Motivational functiong decreases
Cognitive function decreases
Behavioral functioning decreases
Physical functioning decreases
Psychotic features: delusions, hallucinations, episodes of mania, severe depression
Causes of the disorder
Abnormal functioning of neurotransmitter
Ionic Imbalances
Brain Structure
Heredity Theory
Inherited predisposition , supported by Family predigree studies
Genetic linkage studies have identified inheritance factors
X-chromosome studies
Diagnosing the disorder
Patient exibits the lows of depression
Patient exibits the highs of mania
How often do the episodes occur?
>1 time weekly, usually manic
Using the DSM-IV-TR
Cultural Background
Research proves there is little difference between races, regarding percentage of individuals diagnosed
Increased rates attributed to terrible social and economic pressures
Inflation contributes to higher rates