Depression_Paper_(Ab_Psych)

Depression Paper NAME PSY/270 DATE Instructor Depression Paper Anyone can suffer from depression. Sigmund Freud, Sir Isaac Newton, George Washington, and Alexandra the Great are a few famous people who have faced unipolar depression disorder (Sharma, 2006). Jimi Hendrix, Theodore Roosevelt, Edgar Allen Poe, and Tim Burton (director) are a few more famous people, who have suffered from bipolar disorder. What are the differences, causes, and treatments for unipolar and bipolar disorders' Unipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme levels of sadness, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and low self worth (Comer, 2005). Individuals who have no history of mania and return to a normal mood within a couple of weeks are considered to have unipolar depression. Other individuals experience periods of mania that interchanges with depression; these individuals are considered to have bipolar disorder. Unipolar depression was formerly thought to be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. However, various other causes have been noted, like genetics, heredity, and stressful life events that may also contribute to unipolar depression disorder. Depression has a tendency to run in families, and because of this individuals with close relatives affected by severe depression are more likely to develop the illness. Other factors that may contribute to this depression are death of a loved one, poverty, work stress, sexual abuse, drug/alcohol abuse, and chronic illness. Symptoms of unipolar disorder are lack of sleep, constant lethargy, difficulty making decisions, feelings of hopelessness, change in appetite, decrease in self esteem, and loss of interest in activities. Some individuals affected by unipolar depression take on physical symptoms like chronic pain that seems to have no reason, and do not respond to treatment. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and interferes with daily functioning, treatment must be found (Sharma, 2006). Depression is common and a normal part of life. Unfortunately, about 15% of those individuals suffering from unipolar depression disorder may commit, or attempt to commit, suicide. Treatment from a mental health professional is imperative when depression spirals out of control. Treatment can include medication and psychotherapy, and a combination of the two is said to have effective results. On the other hand, individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder suffer from depression that alternates with periods of mania (Comer, 2005). Mania is excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm. In other words, those with bipolar disorder experience very low/sad moods, and very high/excited moods with no middle ground behavior. Though doctors do not completely understand the causes of this disorder, some experts do believe that it may be hereditary. Evidence shows lifestyle and environment have effects on the severity of bipolar disorder; however it is more likely the cause lies in the balance of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters (Comer, 2005). Symptoms of bipolar disorder are much the same of unipolar disorder, with some additions that include a long period of feeling overly happy, feeling wired or jumpy, extreme irritation, racing thoughts, easy distraction, impulsive behavior, and high risk behavior. During hypomanic episodes the individual may take part in spending sprees, impulsive sex, use drugs, and drink an excess of alcohol. During severe episodes of depression or mania, a person may experience psychotic symptoms like paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations (National Institution of Mental Health, 2008). Treatment for bipolar disorder usually combines a mood stabilizing drug and psychotherapy. The medication controls sleeplessness, hostility, hyperactivity, and irritability. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is important for the treatment of this disorder; the individual affected has the opportunity to discuss thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that cause him or her discomfort (WebMD, 2005). In final consideration, unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder have basically the same symptoms, though people with bipolar disorder suffer from episodes of manic behavior as well. Both of the disorders can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, heredity, and environment. Both of the disorders can be treated with medication and psychotherapy, but do best with a combination of the two. Most individuals experience some form of depression at some time in their lives. However, some individuals need to seek out treatment for symptoms that last for more than two weeks and affect their daily life activities. References Sharma, S. (2006). Unipolar depression (clinical depression). MedGuru. Retrieved from http://www.themedguru.com/articles/unipolar_depression_clinical_depression-8611213.html Fleener, P. (n.d.). Famous people with bipolar disorder . Bipolar Disorder Today. Retrieved from http://www.mental-health-today.com/bp/famous_people.htm National Institute of Mental Health. (2008). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete- index.shtml#pub3 Comer, R. J. (2005). Fundamentals of abnormal psychology (4th ed.). New York, NY: Worth.