Depression And Bipolar Disorder Essays Examples

Depression is a serious mental illness, which has been identified as one of the most debilitating disorders in the world by the Worth Health Organization. It is a condition in which the affected person feels hopeless, sad, discouraged, and disinterested in life. Roughly, depression affects at least one in ten men and one in five women in some point of life (PAOASP, 2015). Bipolar disorder is a type of depression in which the affected person suffers from extreme mood changes, from mania to depression. During the "manic" phase, the afflicted person feels energetic, restless, talkative, powerful and euphoric, and engages in lavish spending sprees or risky sex activities on impulse (Mayoclinic, 2015). The manic phase is followed by a phase of confusion, irritation, and anger, leading to depression. Since the pattern of these two phases varies from one patient to another, with some suffering from mania or depression for months or weeks and some more frequently, bipolar disorder is difficult to be diagnosed.
Risk factors increase the chances for one to get affected by a condition. The three risk factors for depression include family history of mental illness, chronic physical illness, and medications. Research shows that people with a family history of depressive disorders are more likely to be affected by depression. One with a sibling or parent suffering from major depression is 1.5 to 3 times more likely to develop the condition than those with no family history of depression (ADAA, 2015). Researchers have found a correlation between depression and chronic physical illnesses. Chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and hormonal disorder increase the likelihood of depression. Certain medications like sedatives, cortisone drugs, sleeping pills, seizure drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure, asthma, heart problems, and high cholesterol also increase the likelihood of developing depression (ADAA, 2015). Protective factors are those that help alleviate a disorder.
One risk factor for bipolar disorder is gene. It has been observed that 50% of the patients of bipolar disorder have either of the parents suffering from clinical depression. A child with one bipolar parent has 25% more chance than others to develop the condition of clinical depression. If both the parents are bipolar, then the child will have 50% to 75% chance of developing the disorder (NIMH, 2014). A major life changing experience such as a serious loss, trauma, a difficult relationship and financial stress may trigger bipolar disorder in people. People addicted to substance abuse, such as drugs and alcohol, are also at the increased risk of developing bipolar disorder. For both depression and bipolar disorder, the protective factor is the effective clinical care and strong family support (Mayoclinic, 2015). One without the other will not be effective in treating the conditions.
The developmental pathways of depression and bipolar disorder can be determined by the period of consistency and discontinuity. If the feelings of depression last for a short period of time, it might be a moment of sadness not to be seriously considered, but if the period of depression is consistent, lasting for more than two weeks, it turns into a matter of grave concern, and immediate help should be sought (Wickrama et al, 2012). For bipolar disorder, the patient needs to have at least one episode of mania to be diagnosed for Bipolar I disorder. The manic episode may be followed or preceded by hypomanic or depressive phases. If the patient has one episode of major depression lasting for at least two weeks and one hypomanic episode lasing for four days at least, he is diagnosed for Bipolar II disorder (NIMH, 2014).

References

Wickrama, K., Conger, R., Lorenz, F., and Martin, M. (2012). Continuity and discontinuity of depressed mood from late adolescence to young adulthood: The mediating and stabilizing roles of young adults’ socioeconomic attainment. Journal Of Adolescence, 35(3), 648-658. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.08.014
Mayoclinic (2015). Bipolar disorder Risk factors - Diseases and Conditions. Retrieved on 13 February 2015 from <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/basics/risk-factors/con-20027544>
Pennsylvania Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition (PAOASPC). (2015). Protective Factors For Suicide & Depression. Retrieved 13 February 2015 from <http://preventsuicidepa.org/protective-factors>
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (2014). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved 13 February 2015 from <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml>
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) (2015). Depression. Retrieved 13 February 2015, from <http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression>