INTRODUCTION
I chose to do this project on bipolar disorder because of my lack of knowledge concerning it. While I am familiar with bipolar disorder and do understand what it is, I wanted to learn more about its etiology and the lived experiences of those with bipolar disorder. I also wanted to discuss a mental illness as they are largely stigmatized in our culture. They are often considered farcical or self-inflicted, which is extremely harmful ideology. Those with mental illnesses are blamed for not only having their disease but not being able to control it either. This website will analyze and deconstruct how bipolar disorder (and, by proxy, other mental illnesses) are presented.
Bipolar disorder, as defined by the Mayo Clinic:
Bipolar disorder, as defined by the Mayo Clinic:
“Bipolar disorder – sometimes called manic-depressive disorder – is associated with mood swings that range from the lows of depression to the highs of mania. When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts in the other direction, you may feel euphoric and full of energy. Mood shifts may occur only a few times a year, or as often as several times a day. In some cases, bipolar disorder causes symptoms of depression and mania at the same time.” |
Bipolar disorder's etiology is largely unclear. However, there are some factors that are noted for being involved with it: biological differences, neurotransmitters, hormones, inherited traits, and the environment (Mayo Clinic). Biological differences would be that there have been some noted physical changes between those with bipolar disorder and those without it; however, it is unknown what the significance of these differences are. Neurotransmitters is referring to the three neurotransmitters that have been linked with bipolar disorder: norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. As with the biological differences, it is unclear what imbalances or abnormalities are occurring that results in bipolar disorder, but there is definitely a relationship. There also can be a hormonal imbalance that causes or triggers bipolar disorder. Additionally, it seems to be an inherited trait as those with bipolar disorder generally have a relative who also has bipolar disorder. And finally, the environment one is in can trigger or cause bipolar disorder – particularly via "stress, abuse, significant loss or other traumatic experiences" (Mayo Clinic).
There are four types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS), and Cyclothymic Disorder. Bipolar I Disorder is when you primarily have had at least one manic or mixed (i.e, both manic and depressed) episodes. Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by having a minimum of one depressive episode and one hypomanic episode (i.e., not a manic or mixed episode but close to it. Hypomania means "below mania"). Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is when you have the symptoms of bipolar disorder but you haven't met the diagnostic criteria. Cyclothymic Disorder is where you have had many hypomanic episodes and intervals of depression. However, you have not had a full-out manic episode, depressive episode, or a mixed episode. The symptoms for Cyclothymic Disorder last two years and generally never go away during that time period.
Having bipolar disorder means having life-long treatment. Treatments primarily use medication, psychotherapy, or education and support groups (Mayo Clinic). There are also other treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The medications used to treat bipolar disorder include lithium, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, Symbyax, and Benzodiazepines. It does require trial and error to find the right medication or combination of medications that is effective. Psychotherapy involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, family therapy, group therapy. There are therapies outside of these that have been shown to be successful. Electroconvulsive therapy is mostly used for individuals who have severe depression and there has not really been any improvement in their condition for a sustained period of time. This kind of therapy is only used in very specific circumstances. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is where you have rapid pulses from the magnetic field applied to the head. The stimulation works similar anti-depressants but there hasn't been much research done on the safety and it's actual efficacy. To learn more about each of these treatments, click here.
The point of this website is to emphasize the necessity of using an anthropological perspective when examining illnesses. The bio-medical system that we have places too much emphasis on the individual, creating space for the for victim-blaming and the de-legitimization of certain illnesses – particularly mental illnesses. Utilizing anthropological perspectives allows for more contextualization of illnesses through looking at the economic, cultural, environmental, political, and social factors. As it isn't completely clear what is causing or triggering bipolar disorder, it is important to look at the entire picture when analyzing it. It would be reductive to just look at or within the individual for answers as we do not exist in a vacuum – our surroundings do have an impact on us and do affect our health. This is where medical anthropology comes in.
The point of this website is to emphasize the necessity of using an anthropological perspective when examining illnesses. The bio-medical system that we have places too much emphasis on the individual, creating space for the for victim-blaming and the de-legitimization of certain illnesses – particularly mental illnesses. Utilizing anthropological perspectives allows for more contextualization of illnesses through looking at the economic, cultural, environmental, political, and social factors. As it isn't completely clear what is causing or triggering bipolar disorder, it is important to look at the entire picture when analyzing it. It would be reductive to just look at or within the individual for answers as we do not exist in a vacuum – our surroundings do have an impact on us and do affect our health. This is where medical anthropology comes in.
REFERENCE(S)
"Bipolar Disorder." Definition. Mayo Clinic, Web. July 2014.
"Bipolar Disorder." NIH Health & Education. National Institute of Mental Health. Web. July 2014.
Images from iStock.
"Bipolar Disorder." Definition. Mayo Clinic, Web. July 2014.
"Bipolar Disorder." NIH Health & Education. National Institute of Mental Health. Web. July 2014.
Images from iStock.