Genetic factors as a major cause of bipolar disorder

¶ … Treatment of Psychological Disorder

The bipolar disorder is a mental disorder and alternatively known as manic depression elevates the mood and cause depression to the affected individuals. The symptom of bipolar depression is the elevated mood, and it is the significant symptom of the affected person. During mania process, the affected individuals behaves irritably, display abnormally energetic and happy. The affected individuals often make poorly decision with little or no regard to the consequences. During the depression period, the affected individuals may have a negative outlook on life, and having poor eye contact with others. The risk of suicide is another symptom of bipolar disorder where between 30% and 40% of the victims attempt to inflict self -harm. Other mental issues include substance use disorder, and anxiety disorders. While it is difficult to establish the cause, however, the genetic and environmental factors have been responsible for the cause of bipolar disorder. The environmental factor includes long-term stress, and the history of child abuse. However, Bipolar 1 occurs when the victim exhibits a sign of maniac episode. On the other hand, the bipolar II occurs where there is a sign of one hypomanic episode, and one depressive episode. However, the condition of cyclothymic disorder may be diagnosed if the condition is less severe.

Hypothesis

H1: Genetic factor is the major cause of bipolar disorder.

Argument to Support the Hypothesis

Kerner (2014) argues that genetic has been one of the major factors that leads to the bipolar disorder. For example, the candidate genes and chromosomal regions are associated with the bipolar disorder where each gene can cause mild to moderate effects. Relatives with history of bipolar disorder is 10 -fold susceptible to the first degree bipolar compared to the general population. Moreover, an advanced pattern in age is lined to an increased chance of transmitting the bipolar disorder to the offspring.

Barnett, & Smoller, (2009) support the argument of the previous author by pointing out that the genetic factor plays a major role in the cause of bipolar disorder. The evidence has shown that bipolar symptoms run in the families. For example, the twin studies especially, the identical twins, have greater chance of having bipolar disorder if one of the twins is affected. Moreover, relatives of the patients suffering from bipolar 1 & II disorder are likely to have a mild bipolar disorder because the bipolar I & II disorders are common in the family sets. Goldberg, (2016) believes that 40% of first degree relatives suffering from the bipolar disorder have the higher chance of transferring the disease to their descendants. Moreover, children whose one of their biological parents is suffering from bipolar disorder have a high chance of getting the disease.

Fictional Character using the DSM-5 Criteria

James Anderson is a 25-year-old factory worker. For the past two years, his parents have noticed that James has exhibited strange characters such as disinterested in people, or activities or laugh hysterically without a sign of major cause. In the last few months, James always show sign of loss of energy when carrying out little tasks. James is also distracted with little things. His mother believes that the best strategy is to refer him to a psychologist for the treatment.

Treatment Plan

The treatment plan for James is the combination of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological. Since the case of James is not a severe bipolar disorder, the hospitalization is not required. However, psychotherapy is required for James to alleviate the symptoms as well as reducing the negative aspect of the symptoms. Cognitive therapy is the most effective therapeutic treatment for James. The behavioral therapy will focus on James negative behavior to decrease stress. The cognitive therapy involves modifying pattern of James' behavior to ameliorate his mood. Education is another method to treat the bipolar disorder that involves counselling James on the strategy to manage his disorder. It is also essential to educate James to avoid using alcohol or drug. The medication is also recommended for the treatment of James's bipolar disorder, this study suggests that lithium in treating the cases of James because Lithium is effective to reduce self-harm, and suicide attempt which are the symptoms associated with the bipolar disorder.

Reference

Barnett, J. H., & Smoller, J. W. (2009). The Genetics of Bipolar Disorder. Neuroscience, 164(1), 331 -- 343. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.03.080

Goldberg, J. (2016). WebMD Medical Reference. Causes of Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved June 5, 2017 from http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-causes#1

Jenkins, M. M., Youngstrom, E. A., Youngstrom, J. K., Feeny, N. C., & Findling, R. L. (2012). Generalizability of Evidence-Based Assessment Recommendations for Pediatric Bipolar Disorder. Psychological Assessment, 24(2), 269 -- 281. http://doi.org/10.1037/a0025775

Kerner, B.(2014).Genetics of bipolar disorder. Appl Clin Genet. 7: 33 -- 42.