Bipolar Affective DisorderJune 4, 2010Bipolar Affective DisorderThe number of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder continues to increase each year. Bipolar affective disorder affects 2.6 percent of adults, starting at age eighteen. Bipolar affective disorder often develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. It is likely that all nurses will be involved in the care of patients with bipolar affective disorder. I would like to do more research into effective treatments, to provide the patients in my care with the opportunity to achieve the most positive outcome. Bipolar affective disorder is a long-term illness that must be monitored closely. There is evidence showing that bipolar disorder has a strong hereditary component. (Nursing, 2006, p. 4). Suicide is higher in the early stages of bipolar disorder, usually during a transition from one phase to another. Substance abuse can prolong the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Bipolar affective disorder is characterized by unusual mood swings between the elated (manic) phase and the extreme depressed (depressive) phase. The manic phase is characterized by a euphoric or irritable mood that lasts at least a week. The manic phase often interferes with work and personal relationships. Mania is often the first episode in men. People in this phase must be hospitalized to return to normal functioning. Symptoms of mania include: restlessness, increased energy, unrealistic belief in one's abilities, decreased need for sleep or food, impulsive behavior, extremely irritable and easily distracted. The three stages of mania are hypomania, acute mania, and delusional mania. In the hypomania stage, patients feel good with excess energy and increased activity levels. The ...... middle of paper ......ar emotional disorder. Bipolar affective disorder is a lifelong illness. Families affected by this disease should seek support and receive education about the disease. Education helps recognize signs of relapse and also gives patients the opportunity to lead a life reaching their highest potential. References Steinkuller, A. and Rheineck, J., (2009). A review of evidence-based therapeutic interventions for bipolar disorder. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 1-12. Retrieved June 1, 2010 from http://www.freelibrary.com/_/print/PrintArticle.aspx?id=209535639Murphy, K., (2006). Managing the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. Nursing 2006, 36(10),58-63. Figgis, M. (editor). (1993). Mr. Jones [Cinema film]. United States: Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International.