PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 3

Living Criteria of Bipolar Disorder in the DSM-5 

Bipolar disorder, which is a mood disorder with intercalated mania and depression phases, is classified in the DSM-5 by the American Psychiatric Association (APA, 2013). McIntyre and Calabrese (2019) define bipolar disorder as the presence of variability in mood fluctuations, which consist of manic, depressive, and hypomanic episodes. Bipolar disorder has two types: bipolar I disorder, where severe manic attacks are typically psychotic in nature, and bipolar II disorder, having one or more episodes of hypomania and recurrent episodes of depression (APA, 2013).

 Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder 

Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on the presence of manic or hypomanic attacks distinct from other mood disorders such as major depressive disorder (APA, 2013). Manic episodes are longer, lasting weeks to months, while hypomanic episodes are short, lasting a few days to weeks, and are typical of bipolar II disorder. Depression is a feature of bipolar II disorder but also features in bipolar I disorder (McCormick et al., 2015). Differential diagnosis is typically conducted via screening devices followed by clinician interviews for assessing symptomatology, functional impairment, and history (McCormick et al., 2015).

 Effects of Bipolar Disorder on Mariah Carey’s Career 

Mariah Carey, a well-known singer, came out about her struggle with bipolar II disorder in 2001, attributing stigma to deterring the treatment (Cagle, 2018). Despite her talent and achievements, bipolar disorder affected Carey’s career through symptoms of insomnia, irritability, and depression, which led to difficulty in completing work and tense relationships (Cagle, 2018).

PSYC FPX 3110 Assessment 3 Living Criteria of the DSM 

 Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder treatments include pharmacotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and family and social support. Pharmacotherapy involves the utilization of mood stabilizers like sodium valproate and lamotrigine to repress symptoms as well as recurrences (Vieta et al., 2018). Psychosocial interventions like group therapy and psychotherapy provide education and support to the patient, leading to medication compliance and symptom improvement (Vieta et al., 2018). Family support and social support are highly essential in enabling stability and recovery of an individual with bipolar disorder.

 Professional Considerations in Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment 

Mental health practitioners have to understand nuances of bipolar illness and differential diagnosis. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate care and exacerbation of symptoms (Hooley, Butcher, & Nock, 2019). Synergistic amalgamation of disparate therapeutic modalities, including psychopharmacology and cognitive-behavioral interventions, specific to individual need is essential to ensure effective outcome (Hooley, Butcher, & Nock, 2019).

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a formidable challenge to patients such as Mariah Carey, and its identification highlights the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment approaches. By eliminating stigma, intervening with effective strategies, and creating support systems, bipolar disorder patients can lead productive and successful lives. Mental health practitioners must be aware of the intricacies of bipolar disorder in order to provide the best care and support.