This personality disorder is known as bipolar disorder. “Bipolar disorder is a chronic, recurring, lifelong psychiatric illness that is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed in clinical practice.” (Gershon 5). Bipolar cycling can either be rapid, or more slowly over time. During severe or manic or depressed episodes, some people with bipolar disorder may have symptoms that overwhelm their ability to deal with everyday life, and even …show more content…
This type of disorder does not only affect one group of people; it holds no prejudice. Anyone, regardless of age, sex, or race can have bipolar disorder. There are many symptoms that a person is bipolar, but many are overlooked because they are seen as normal. Many people with bipolar disorder do not realize they have a problem or avoid getting help. About 60 percent of people with bipolar disorder have trouble with drugs or alcohol. Patients may drink or abuse drugs to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of their moods swings. This is especially common during the reckless manic phase. There are many types and episodes of bipolar disorder some are more serious than others. Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is characterized by episodes of mania and major depression. Bipolar disorder affects around two million Americans every year, that’s about one to two percent across the nation. “An examination of the role that environmental stressors play in the onset, recovery, and recurrence of bipolar episodes provides a way to understand how psychosocial factors may influence the course of a disorder that is often thought of as purely biologically driven.” (Soares 353). Things like getting a divorce or becoming apart can be used as changes in social roles. Changes in routine and interpersonal losses are ways that you can see how bipolar disorder works. When you lose family members it can really make you