Bipolar disorder is a complex lifelong condition that causes dramatic shifts in mood. Elevated highs of mania to the lows of depression are common symptoms of the disorder. If not treated properly, the mood episodes create lack of control in the mind and body. While the cause of the disorder is unknown, studies show that genetics, environment, and altered brain chemistry play a large role. In the past, bipolar disorder was thought to begin in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, recent pediatric research suggests that the onset of the illness begins before the age of 18 years in 50-67 percent of patients with bipolar disorder (Singh & Chang, 2007, p. 199). Notwithstanding, there are presently inconsistent definitions between adult
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For example, about two thirds of youths with bipolar disorder also have ADHD (Youngstrom, 2009, p.153). Research has found that when looking for ADHD in adults with bipolar disorder, there were elevated rates of comorbidity (Youngstrom, 2009, p.153). The AACAP 2006 research forum for advancing research in early-onset bipolar disorder also found that the biggest barrier for progress was the lack of consensus regarding the definition (Carlson et al., 2006, 6). Children and families may become confused when health professionals use different names to describe the disorder. Bipolar disorder in children has been called pediatric mania, narrow/intermediate/broad phenotype, or prepubertal BP. Some even question if child onset bipolar disorder is the same disorder shown in …show more content…
The disorder is complex and having multiple definitions for children only confuses those diagnosed. It is surprising that although bipolar disorder is common, there are still many misconceptions about the disorder. This could be due to the many ways bipolar disorder is portrayed in popular culture. An example includes Bradley Cooper’s character, Pat Solitano, in Silver Linings Playbook, written and directed by David O’Russell. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Teddy Daniels, a bipolar patient in Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorsese. A few examples from television where bipolar disorder is portrayed include Homeland and Shameless. While some of what is depicted in film is accurate, other aspects of the disorder are misrepresented. Thus, complicating the definition of bipolar disorder even more. Many mental health professionals feel that film glamorizes bipolar disorder, sending unrealistic messages. I believe there are some positive aspects of showing bipolar disorder in film because it creates a conversation. Those who have never been exposed to the illness may decide to do research and become more aware of mental illness as a whole. Also, seeing bipolar and mental illness played out throughout popular culture could make those battling bipolar disorder feel less
For example, about two thirds of youths with bipolar disorder also have ADHD (Youngstrom, 2009, p.153). Research has found that when looking for ADHD in adults with bipolar disorder, there were elevated rates of comorbidity (Youngstrom, 2009, p.153). The AACAP 2006 research forum for advancing research in early-onset bipolar disorder also found that the biggest barrier for progress was the lack of consensus regarding the definition (Carlson et al., 2006, 6). Children and families may become confused when health professionals use different names to describe the disorder. Bipolar disorder in children has been called pediatric mania, narrow/intermediate/broad phenotype, or prepubertal BP. Some even question if child onset bipolar disorder is the same disorder shown in …show more content…
The disorder is complex and having multiple definitions for children only confuses those diagnosed. It is surprising that although bipolar disorder is common, there are still many misconceptions about the disorder. This could be due to the many ways bipolar disorder is portrayed in popular culture. An example includes Bradley Cooper’s character, Pat Solitano, in Silver Linings Playbook, written and directed by David O’Russell. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Teddy Daniels, a bipolar patient in Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorsese. A few examples from television where bipolar disorder is portrayed include Homeland and Shameless. While some of what is depicted in film is accurate, other aspects of the disorder are misrepresented. Thus, complicating the definition of bipolar disorder even more. Many mental health professionals feel that film glamorizes bipolar disorder, sending unrealistic messages. I believe there are some positive aspects of showing bipolar disorder in film because it creates a conversation. Those who have never been exposed to the illness may decide to do research and become more aware of mental illness as a whole. Also, seeing bipolar and mental illness played out throughout popular culture could make those battling bipolar disorder feel less