Introduction
The phenomenon of Bipolar Affective Disorder has been a mystery since the 16th and 17th century. The Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh was thought to of suffered from bipolar disorder. It appears that there are an abundance of people with the disorder yet, no true causes or cures for the disorder. Clearly the Bipolar disorder severely undermines their ability to obtain and sustain social and occupational success. However, the journey for the causes and cures for the Bipolar disorder must continue.
Affective Disorders
Affective disorders are primarily characterized by depressed mood, elevated mood or (mania), or alternations of depressed and elevated moods. The classical term is manic-depressive illness, a newer term is Bipolar disorder. The two are interchangeable. Milder forms of a depressive syndrome are called dysthymic disorder, mild forms of mania are hypomania and the milder expressions of Bipolar disorder are called cyclothymic disorders. The use of the term primary affective disorder refers to the individuals who had no previous psychiatric disorders or else only episodes of mania or depression. Secondary affective disorder refers to patients with preexisting psychiatric illness other than depression or mania (Goodwin, Guze. 1989, p.7 ).
Demographics
Bipolar affective disorder affects approximately one percent or three million persons in the United States, afflicting both males and females. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania and depression. The manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, poor judgment and insight, and often reckless or irresponsible behavior (Hollandsworth, Jr. 1990 ).
These episodes may alternate with profound depressions characterized by a pervasive sadness, almost inability to move, hopelessness, and disturbances in appetite, sleep, in concentrations and driving.
Symptoms
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed if an episode of mania occurs whether depression has been diagnosed or not (Goodwin, Guze, 1989, p 11).
