Cause Of Depressive Symptoms example essay topic

Bipolar disorder is a disease that effects one in every five Americans. It is second only to heart disease for loss of workdays in the U.S. Due to popular belief the cause of Bipolar disorder is a chemical imbalance in the brain. This imbalance is due to one neurotransmitter called norepinephrine it is thought to be the cause of depressive symptoms. Norepinephrine is a hormone produced by the adrenal medulla, similar in chemical and pharmacological properties to epinephrine (also a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stimulation to the sympathetic nervous system).

Norepinephrine and epinephrine are the two active hormones that cause some of the physiological expressions of fear and anxiety. It appears that in states of Mania, one's Norepinephrine levels are extremely high and in a depressive state the level is very low. However despite intense research and investigation the cause of bipolar disorder is still unknown. Other suggestions of basis of this disease consist of viral infections and tragic or stressful events in one's life. Symptoms of Depression can be anything from loss of appetite to excessive crying.

But typical symptoms are: -Depressive "blue" mood This can include a sad feeling and an irritable attitude -Feelings of worthlessness / guilt This symptom includes self-hatred for problems occurring in the everyday world. Also unrealistic self-blame, negative self-evaluations and very low self-esteem are usually present. -Excessive fatigue and / or insomnia Difficulties falling asleep, waking up restless or waking up earlier than usual. Hypersomnia is feeling sleepy and napping all the time. Commonly Manic-depressives can function very well on little or no sleep.

-Frequent thoughts of death or suicide Thoughts of one's own death or death in general is very common in depression. -Loss of appetite Or a gain in appetite or weight (or loss) is common. Also the types of foods being consumed is no longer important, taste doesn't matter. -Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities This could take the form of not caring anymore.

And very commonly a loss of interests all hobbies. One might also try to pick up lots of hobbies to occupy themselves with things other then their own self-hatred. -Indecisiveness or Diminished ability to concentrate Having memory difficulties, being easily distracted and not being able to make everyday decisions (like what kind of socks to put on) are common symptoms-Mood swings (can last for several weeks in on estate) Mood swings are generally referred to as episodes. The length of episodes varies per person.

However the length of an individual episode could last for several weeks. Rapid cycling refers to several episodes (four or more) episodes that occur in one year. These Rapid episodes usually only last for a few days and sometimes only a few hours. Such creative geniuses as Ernest Hemming way, Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, Vincent Van Gogh and William Faulkner are all documented depressives. And some believe that there is a chemical link between creativity and / or genius and depression. Characteristics of Manic-depressive illness and creative accomplishment are very closely similar.

The ability to function well on a few hours of sleep, the focus needed to work intensely, bold and restless attitudes, and an ability to experience a wide variety of emotions with great depth are all part of creative genius and depression alike. The reis a range of successful treatments for manic depression. In the past Electric-shock therapy was used. Now the most common treatment is an anti-depressant called Prozac that boosts the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin and mental therapy. Depression is a disease like any other and is not to be something to be ashamed of. It is curable and is nothing someone should have to go through alone.

82% of all depressed patients go untreated. Manic-depression is also the number one leading cause of suicide in the U.S. today.