Bipolar Type I And Type II - 1876 Words

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is often characterized by the general public as a mood swing disorder. In reality bipolar disorder is more severe than just a mood swings, especially in children. Bipolar disorder comes with two forms, type I and type II. Both forms of bipolar disorder are severe and both types should receive treatment. For the purpose of this research bipolar type I will be the focus. More specifically this research will be focusing on bipolar type I in children and youth. Bipolar type I is described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) as characterized by multiple episodes of mania that last at least a week or by episodes of mania that hospitalization is needed (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014;†Bipolar disorder†,†¦show more content†¦Children with constant temper tantrums may or may not have bipolar disorder. In order for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder a child must still fall under than DSM-5 criteria. Bipolar type I is an issue in a c hild s life because it can become hindering and detrimental to development and to their daily routine. Although this diagnosis can cause major deficits in a child’s life there are many treatments that are readily available to these children and their families. Etiology. It is still unclear scientifically why bipolar disorder is caused but there are genetic and brain structure implications for bipolar disorder (Adelman et al., 2012; Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014). Pediatric bipolar type I is found to have connections with decreased gray matter in the cortex areas as well as increase volume in the basal ganglia (Adelman et al., 2012). Grey matter helps the brain processes due to their storage of cell bodies and axons and the basal ganglia is connected with cognitive function, daily routine and habitual functioning and voluntary motor control (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014; Leibenluft, 2012). Genetics may also play a large role in the presence of bipolar disorder in children. Genetics are often more prevalent with direct relatives, parents or siblings (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014). In accordance with that the environment that children may be put into in their