Bipolar Disorders: A Case Study

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition that causes periods of mania and depression ( Manji, Martinowich, & Schloesser, 2009, p.726). The length of episodes can vary from days to weeks. Full recovery can typically be seen between episodes. The Bipolar disorder general population is 2% with the median on set age of 25 years old (Hales, Hilty, Kelly, Leamon, & Lim, 2006, p.43). Affecting both male and female alike. However, Bipolar II is more common in women, whereas Bipolar I in men (Hales, Hilty, Kelly, Leamon, & Lim, 2006, p.43). Common symptoms seen with Bipolar Manic episodes are euphoric, racing thoughts, restlessness, and distracted easily (Manji, Martinowich, & Schloesser, 2009, p.726). Involvements in activities that have high risk are …show more content…
Individuals typically remember prior engagements after episode and feel embarrassed and regret their actions. Pharmacology therapy remains the primary medical treatment for the illness. Which includes lithium, valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and atypical antipsychotics (Adams, Berk, & Malhi, 2010, p.193). Emerging pharmacology treatments include nacetylcysteine, tamoxifen, and agenapine (Adams, Berk, & Malhi, 2010, p.193). In addition, implementing psychoeducation, family-focus therapy or another pshycosocial model will benefit the individual (George, Miklowitz, Richards, Simoneau, & Suddath, 2003, p.904). Comorbid disorders are commonly seen in individuals with Bipolar disorders, along with a suicide rate of 11% (Hales, Hilty, Kelly, leamon, & Lim, 2006, p.43). Therefor Bipolar disorder is a serious health problem. However many individuals can manage with medication. 60% of individuals with Bipolar I who take medication are able to control their symptoms ( Hales, Hilty, Kelly, Leamon, & Lim,2006, …show more content…
The psychologist with the individual will identify the negative thoughts and feelings that precipitate the manic behaviors (Neto, 2004). The therapist will help the individual replace his reactions with better alternatives (Abbot, Bentall, Johnson, Kinderman, Morris, Paykel, & Scott, 2006). The individual will learn to recognize and analyze cognitive changes, automatic thoughts, and though distortions (Neto, 2004). Therapist will teach techniques to identify the symptoms. Mood graphs can be used to identify the onset of the episode while it can still be managed, create a schedule with activities including sleeping and eating, and assess energy expenditure (Neto, 2004). The therapist will also use line graphs, problem solving techniques, and techniques to identify