Bipolar Disorder

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onsible behavior (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990). The depressive episodes are characterized by intense feelings of sadness and despair that can then turn into feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Some of the symptoms of a depressive episode include anhedonia, disturbances in sleep and appetite, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, difficulty thinking, indecision, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990).
The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (MDMDA) has determined that bipolar disorder can create developmental delays, marital and family disruptions, occupational setbacks, and financial disasters. Many time’s bipolar patients report that depressions are longer and increase in the frequency as the individual ages. Many time's bipolar states and psychotic states are misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. Speech patterns help distinguish between the two disorders (Lish, 1994).
The onset of bipolar disorder usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 years of age, with a second peak in the mid-forties for women. A typical bipolar patient may experience eight to ten episodes in their lifetime. However, those who have rapid cycling may experience more episodes of mania and depression that succeed each other without a period of remission.
The three stages of mania begin with hypo mania, in which patients report that they are ener...