Bipolar Disorder Essay - 1129 Words

Furthermore, inflammation is linked with bipolar disorder and can explain some of the comorbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, that result in decreased life expectancy. Inflammatory molecules are produced in the periphery by immune cells such as helper T cells and macrophages, in response to pathogens or cell damage. The proinflammatory molecules produced in the body can stimulate the microglia and other neuroimmune cells, by entering the brain through regions where the blood brain barrier (BBB) is more permeable, by active transport through the endothelial cells that make up the BBB, or by vagal nerve signalling (Muneer). The presence of inflammatory molecules in the brain stimulates the microglia to release†¦show more content†¦While the familial linkage of bipolar disorder has been recognized for many years, recent developments in genetic technologies have greatly improved our understanding of how exactly genes play a role in the disease’s dev elopment. Many mutations and genetic polymorphisms have been related to bipolar disorder. Some of these cause mitochondrial ETC malfunction, while others affect protein receptors, and other still affect the methylation of neuronal axons. One interesting advancement involves our understanding of epigenetics (Caddock). While genetic predispositions play a major role in bipolar development, environmental stressors interact with genes by way of epigenetic markers, upregulating and downregulating their expression. In the nucleus, DNA is packaged around proteins called histones. These proteins have tails that bind to either methyl or acetyl molecules. If a segment of DNA is methylated, the DNA clumps together so DNA polymerase cannot reach it, and thus the gene is down regulated. Acetylation on the other hand allows the DNA to uncoil and replicating enzymes are able to make mRNA and subsequently proteins from that region. Epigenetics is important in bipolar disorder as it relates to a molecule called brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is negatively correlated with mood episodeShow MoreRelatedEssay Bipolar Disorder1447 Words   |  6 PagesBipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness affects about 1.2 percent of the U.S. population (8). It is defined by fluctuating states of depression and mania throughout ones life. Those who are depressed may be restless, irritable, have slowed thinking or speech, decreased sexual activity, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, suicidal thoughts as well as other changes. Those in a manic state may have increased activity or energy, more thoughts and faster thinkingRead MoreBipolar Disorder Essay1615 Words   |  7 PagesBipolar disorder, also commonly referred to as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual and heightened swings in a person’s mood, energy level, and ability to function. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severe and therefore, they are quite different from the normal shifts in mood that everyone goes through on a daily basis. The effects of bipolar disorder can result in broken relationships, poor performance at wor k or school, self-mutilation, and even suicide. HoweverRead MoreBipolar Disorder Essay844 Words   |  4 PagesBipolar disorder also known as manic depression has always been a mystery since the 16th century. History has shown that it can appear in almost everyone. Bipolar disorder causes mood swings in energy, thinking, and other behavior. Having a bipolar disorder can be very disabling (Kapczinski). A study was evaluated and about 1.3% of the U.S population of people suffers from bipolar disorder. Stressors and environmental influences can trigger and cause a person to go through numerous episodes. BipolarRead More Bipolar Disorder and the Essay979 Words   |  4 PagesBipolar Disorder and the War on Drugs Bipolar disorder, also known as, manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that results in unusual shifts in a persons mood, energy, and ability to function. More than two million American adults (or, about one per cent of the population aged eighteen and older in any given year) are afflicted by this affective disorder (1). Yet, because it cannot be revealed by a blood test or other physiological means, patients may suffer for years before it isRead MoreEssay on Bipolar Disorder 1279 Words   |  6 PagesMental illness comes in many forms one of the most prevalent forms facing people today is depression. The realm of depression encompasses many different types and forms, some of these are, Seasonal Affect Disorder commonly called SAD, Bipolar Disorder, Postpartum, Chronic Depression, and situational depression to name a few. When many people think about depression they think about a person who is stereotypically down on life. However they don’t see the people who suffer from extreme highs, as wellRead MoreEssay on bipolar disorder502 Words   |  3 Pages Bipolar Disorder also known as Manic Depressive Illness involves outstanding mood swings. The individual has periods of depression, and periods when they feel either unusually good or pressured and irritable. It affects 1-2% of the population. Genetics plays a significant role. About 15% of children with one bipolar parent develop the disorder. Treatments include medication, supportive psychotherapy and occasionally ECT. Medications include lithium, anticonvulsant drugs (carbamazepine (Tegretol)Read MoreEssay on Bipolar Disorder1556 Words   |  7 PagesBipolar Disorder The aspect of bipolar disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century. It was rumored that Vincent Van Gough suffered from bipolar disorder. There is a large group of people suffering from this disorder, however there are no causes or cures for it. Bipolar disorder impairs one’s ability to obtain and sustain social and occupational success. The journey for even a cause will continue for many years to come. Affective disorders are characterized by a depressedRead MoreBipolar Disorder Essay1351 Words   |  6 Pages​Bipolar Disorder, also known as a manic depressive illness, is classified as a brain disorder; that causes unusual shifts in the mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry-out day to day tasks. The majority of bipolar individuals experience alternating episodes of mania such as an elevated or euphoric mood or irritable state (US Department of Health 1) (Thackey 127). Bipolar Disorder falls under the category of a mood disorder, 3% of the general population suffers from bipolar disorderRead More Bipolar Disorder Essay1536 Words   |  7 PagesBipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is a type of manic depression classified by those affected having extreme polar opposite emotions. Those who suffer from bipolar disorder, go from extreme highs (mania) to very lows, (depression). Because this illness deals with such drastic changes in behavior, it is essential that those who suffer take medical action in treatment of their disorder, unlike other depressions that may be treated with therapy only. Medical treatment with the useRead More Bipolar Disorder Essay1022 Words   |  5 Pages nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;I have been diagnosed with what is called a Bipolar disorder. For all of my life I have been moody, so I guess when my I had mood swings my parents chalked it up to being a teenager. I always knew that it was more than just moodiness, but I had no idea what was wrong with me. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;When I am in a manic state I feel empowered and clever. In this phase, people find me very charismatic I also love myself and others and am very creative