The Imperfect Science Of Diagnosing And Treating Bipolar...

Shaylee Sigler Professor Dahl English 2 The Imperfect Science of Diagnosing and Treating Bipolar Disorder Importance of Individuality Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a life long and potentially fatal illness caused by mood swings of depressive and manic episodes. Bipolar disorder, if not properly treated, could interfere with relationships, a career or school performance, and is the cause in every 1 of 5 suicide deaths. Physicians, as well as the patients, are not seriously acknowledging the severity of this illness. Patients are being misdiagnosed and commonly treated without the recognition of their individuality. Treatment should be based on what works best and better suits the†¦show more content†¦Some patients with BD are misdiagnosed, and in others the diagnosis changes during the course of their illness. Prevalence estimates of misdiagnosed BD among those treated for unipolar depression are about 10%, although, in several studies, these numbers are much higher—18% to 45% in studies in France, ^ the United States, ^ and Italy. This quote is suggesting that Bipolar disorder is commonly misdiagnosed and is treated improperly. I believe that part of the reason for the excessive overdiagnoses and improper treatment is caused by the aggressive marketing to doctors by companies that produce the drugs used to treat bipolar disorder. In my opinion; we live in a world where selfish greed and wealth defeats everything, including the well-being of our own kind. The severity of the condition also factors upon how soon the disease is recognized and treated. The sooner BPD can be treated ; the more likely someone with this disease can live a relatively normal life. When people are not treated or treated properly for BPD they become a harm to themselves, as well as others. As further explained, The mood swings of bipolar disorder can be profoundly destructive. Depression can make you isolate yourself from friends and loved ones; and in manic periods, you may be reckless and volatile. If BPD progresses untreated, a response to treatment becomes less likely, and