MD-3-D-2

When working with individuals who have bipolar disorder, there is often a high resistance to pharmacotherapy. Many of these individuals cite the medication side effects as the prime reasons for refusing medical treatment. For some, the “high” experienced during a manic phase is invigorating. That is, these individuals often experience a rush of energy and productivity, as well as creativity; these positive aspect of this manic phase results in enjoyment and pleasure. With medication, however, the “high” is no longer reached; for many, feeling normal is too difficult and, as a result, these individuals don’t feel right. Beyond this, there are some individuals who do not believe they have a problem, and as a result, refuse to seek treatment. Based upon your reading and ancillary research, what can be done? How can these individuals be reached? What needs to happen in order for these individuals to seek treatment? I look forward to your additional thoughts.

My initial post is below:

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that is characterized by periods of elevated moods, also known as mania and periods of severe depressions. During the manic episode, a person acts unusually energetic, happy or is easily irritated (Barnett & Smoller, 2009). At extreme levels, people in the manic episode experience psychosis, which is a state in which the individual’s ability to think is affected along with the mood. An individual in the manic episode can also experience hallucination which may make the person violent and hence uncooperative in the treatment process thus making the whole treatment process difficult. Due to the severity of the symptoms during the manic episodes, professional help is crucial; force is sometimes used for resistant patients to get them to undergo treatment (Barnett & Smoller, 2009).

There is, however, a milder form of mania called “hypomania”. Hypomania is not associated with rapid mood changes, irritability or psychosis. In most of the cases, hypomanic episodes may be related to overall increase in productivity and increased energy levels. Hypomanic episodes hardly progress to manic episodes and thus can be managed without seeking any professional help (Beentjes, Goossens, & Poslawsky, 2012).

In children and adolescents, bipolar disorder is characterized by very rapid and frequent mood changes and in some cases, accompanied by chronic symptoms also; suicide attempts are common at this stage (Cosgrove, Roybal, & Chang, 2013). At this point, the condition is referred to as early-onset bipolar disorder. Adults experience more discrete periods of depression and mania. Successful treatment of the disease is based on a correct diagnosis of the condition; however, Cases of misdiagnosis among children are common due to the close significant relationship between Bipolar disorder and the other requirements such as the Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD). Symptoms such as spontaneous speech, irritability, trouble focusing and physical restlessness are common in both conditions. Bipolar disorder also has a significant relationship with other conditions such as depression and anxiety disorder and, therefore, making treatment difficult (Cosgrove, Roybal, & Chang, 2013).

The process of diagnosis of the bipolar disorder currently used among children has been faulty in some instances and more needs to be done to improve the process. A recent study by Rhodes Island Hospital found that Mood Disorder Questionnaire, a commonly used method of screening for bipolar disorder may incorrectly indicate a case of borderline personality disorder when the patient suffers from bipolar disorder. Thus, it is clear that more research has to be done to come up with a secure method of diagnosing the condition.