Bipolar Disorder Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Bipolar Disorder - Article Example Bipolar Disorder It also seeks to give a relevant case study, as well as the historical and policy issues that have been put in place to handle cases of bipolar disorder. It is absolute that examining the issues surrounding bipolar disorder will help in understanding ways through which it can be mitigated and how people can learn to live with those affected. 1.1 Mental Health According to the World Health Organization (WHO), psychological well being is an imperative aspect in life. In the year 2002, it was estimated that around 450 million people across the globe were suffering from behavioral, as well as mental disorders in which around 150 million of them suffered from severe depression. Mental health has serious profound impacts on families and individuals affected as far as their physical, social and economic life is concerned. Since psychological disorders often tend to affect communities as well as the families of those affected, it is essential for people to understand the major effects of men tal illness on both the social systems as well as on individuals. Consequently, this will help in improving the mental care systems and ensure effective development of related mental health programs. It is alleged that mental health covers a vast range of compulsions often affecting the elderly (Nash, 2010). The American Nursing association is focused on collaborating with the health policy makers to enhance the restoration of universal access to mental health care among the US families. Although there has been extensive efforts aimed at enhancing the world mental health, the World Health Organization has stressed on the need to have a comprehensive definition of what mental health is, and to ensure that this extends beyond the presence or absence of diagnosed disorder to include autonomy, self efficacy, well being and competence (World Health Organization, 2013). One of the common mental health issues that has been widely debated on, and that I have had a personal interaction with is bipolar disorder. In this case, it is important to give a synopsis on the historical and policy issues that surrounds, it as well as other essential factors such as its treatment. 1.2 What is Bipolar Disorder? Scholars define bipolar disorder as a manic depressive mental health state in which a person exhibits bidirectional fluctuations from a depressive to a euphoric state. Other common symptoms are irritability, a sense of hopelessness, grandiosity, low self esteem, insomnia, racing thoughts, distractibility, agitation and suicidal thoughts (Friedman, 2001, pp.165-166). Research also shows that the sleeping patterns of persons suffering from bipolar disorder often vary with the severity, the clinical state, as well as the stage of the disorder. For instance, when depressed, bipolar patients tend to sleep excessively and when in a manic state, they sleep less or not at all (â€Å"The Biology of Mental Disorders,† n.d, p.88). In the US, it is estimated that more than two m illion people suffer from bipolar disorder. One of the main reasons behind its unprecedented rise is complications that hinder appropriate as well as accurate diagnosis. Research shows that half of all the respondents reported visiting more than three mental health experts before having a correct diagnosis (Calibre, n.d, pp.1-2). According to Torrey and