Century. History has shown that this affliction can appear in almost anyone. Even the

Great painter Vincent Van Gogh is believed to have had bipolar disorder. It is clear that in

our society many people live with bipolar disorder; however, despite the abundance of

people suffering from it, we are still waiting for definite explanations for the causes and

cure. The one fact of which we are painfully aware is that bipolar disorder severely

undermines its' victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success.

Because bipolar disorder has such debilitating symptoms, it is imperative that we remain

vigilant in the quest for explanations of its causes and treatment. Affective disorders are

characterized by a smorgasbord of symptoms that can be broken into manic and

depressive episodes. The depressive episodes are characterized by intense feelings of

sadness and despair that can become feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Some of

the symptoms of a depressive episode include anaerobia, disturbances in sleep and

appetite, psychomotor retardation, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, guilt,

antidepressant effect of light not being reached until week four (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990).

in the United States. It is presented by both males and females. Bipolar disorder involves

Antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) fluovamine

treatment. New York: The Free Press...

support for the interpersonal difficulties that arise during the course of the disorder.

and amitriptyline has also been used by some doctors as treatment for bipolar disorder.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Hollandsworth Jr, DSM III-R, RAnniverno Smeraldi, Van Gogh, Association MDMDA, Turner1998 Lithium, Depressive Association, Psychiatric Association's, Gurman1991 Pregnant, Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines, bipolar disorder, bipolar patients, manic depressive, hollandsworth jr 1990, hollandsworth jr, episodes mania, mania depression, treatment bipolar, depressive episodes, jr 1990, episodes mania depression, rapid cycling, treatment bipolar disorder, bipolar patients study, national depressive manic,
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Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)