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Bipolar Disorder/School Project Bipolar Questions

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Expert: - 12/14/2009


Question
1. Does this Disorder seem to happen more with females or males?

2. Are patients considered dangerous to others?

3. Do they come into your office individually or by force?
4. What are the most common causes of bipolar disorder?
5. What is you best strategy or theory to help them?
6. How much time does it take for them to be considered cured?
7. What age do you start to see signs of this disorder?


Answer
1. Type II is more common among females, type I is about equal in men and women
2. Not always, it depends on whether or not they are having an episode; some bipolars report feeling that they will harm others in the depression episodes, others during the mania.  Because of this, it's best to assess a patient on an individual basis rather than seeing it as applicable to the entire group.
3. I do not have an office as I am not a mental health provider nor am I a physician.  Usually, a patient would be willing if they were going to an office, and the hospital admissions are typically going to encounter a higher number of emergency admits where the person does not have a choice about whether they are there for 72hours (5150 in california)or for a length of time to be determined by their physician.
4. No one really knows the cause of bipolar, but the condition has been found to have some genetic link making it more likely in families that have a history of first degree #blood) relatives to pass on through heredity patterns; some information suggests that the first episode occurs when the environmental factors are sufficient in their emotional level.
5. Medication should be the primary means of treatment, and nutrition along with other lifestyle adjustments is secondary but also important.
6. There is no "cure" for bipolar, but medication (more importantly finding the right medications that work for the individual) can allow someone with the condition to live a relatively normal - that is to say, what the average person considers normal - life.
7.  There are some instances where bipolar occurs in childhood, but because of the medications that are used to treat bipolar have very little information about the effects on young children available at this time.  Thus, it is vital for any child that may have this condition to see a provider who specializes in the treatment of bipolar disorder in children.  The average age of onset has a range from 19-23 years old; it can occur at any age though, and there have been cases reported where the patient was older than 50.

Bipolar Disorder

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Jennifer

Expertise

I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.

Experience

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.

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