History
Bipolar disorder and other aspects of mental illness have historic existence. Bipolar I remain one of the most researched neurological disorders that affect about 2% of adults in the U.S and its diagnosis criteria by DSM Manual-5 revised in the recent past. Historic evidence of the link between mania and depression started existing in the 1st century among Greek physicians like Aretaeus of Cappadocia who documented patients that “laugh, dance, play and became torpid, dull, and sorrowful” (Mason et al., 2016 ). Further, the ancient Greeks and Romans used the terms mania and melancholia that correspond to the present day manic and depressive used to describe the symptoms of bipolar I and II.
Further, research on the two terms was conducted in the 17 th century but it was not until 19 th century that the movement to understand bipolar disorder intensified under the lead research by Jean-Pierre Falret’s works (Krans & Cherney, 2016). However, the disorder attained its present name in the 1960s when awareness about the conditions was combined to describe one illness/disease. As such, the concept of bipolar was seen as more appropriate and incorporated in the DSM manual III. The manual describes bipolar as episodic mood dysfunction. As such, bipolar I disorder is described by the manic episodes that may last at least 7 days or severe manic symptoms that require one to seek immediate hospital care (Krans & Cherney, 2016).
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Symptoms
Based on these changes, bipolar and related disorders are categorized in the revised DSM manual as group one. The changes eliminate “mixed episode” and instead use a manic, hypomanic or depressive episodes to describe the symptoms of bipolar I disorder. Therefore, symptoms include the occurrence of 1 or more manic periods coupled with inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, reduced need for sleep and pressured speech (Severus & Bauer, 2013). The DSM manual also includes racing thoughts and flight of ideas, distractibility and increased activity as well as excessive pleasurable or risky activity as some of the symptoms of bipolar I disorder.
Prevalence of Bipolar I in the U.S. population
Bipolar I prevalence in the U.S. population based on statistics from the National Co-morbidity Survey Replications (NCS-R) illustrates that about 2.8% of adults were diagnosed with the condition in 2017. Further, past prevalence of the disease stands at 2.9% among males and 2.8% among females aged 18 and above in the population (DBSA, 2018). Again, these figures show that an estimated 4.4% adults in the United States experience bipolar disorder at one point in their lives. The median onset of bipolar is estimated to be 25 years although the illness may start in early childhood or in the late 40s and early 50s.
Perception of Potential Impact on Workplace Performance
Bipolar I disorder may have severe effects on the workplace performance of employees. For instance, mood swings as a result of excessive activity may lead to reduced interactions and productivity due to lack of concentration by the employee. Further, manic episodes may cause fear and anxiety among other employees leading to poor interactions and relationships with the affected employee.
Type of Treatment Approach
Treatment for the disorder is highly customized based on its severity and symptoms for each individual patient. However, use of drugs is one of the most successful treatment approaches where mood stabilizers are given to the patient (Purse & Gans, 2018). These stabilizers may include use of lithium and anticonvulsants. Further, antipsychotics can be used to control psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
Long Term Prognosis
Long term prognosis requires early detection and effective treatment therapies that involve group therapies and use of drugs. Further, coping is an essential component of successful treatment intervention.
References
DBSA (2018). Bipolar Disorder Statistics: Who is Affected by Bipolar Disorder? Retrieved from
https://secure2.convio.net/dabsa/site/SPageServer/?pagename=education_statistics_bipolar_disorder
Krans, B., & Cherney, K. (2016, January 28). The History of Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved
http://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/history-bipolar#1
Mason, B. L., Brown, S. E. & Croarkin, P. E. (2016) Historical Underpinnings of Bipolar
Disorder Diagnostic Criteria. Behavioral Sciences, vol.6, No.3, Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5039514/
Purse, M. & Gans, S. (2018 October 15). An Overview of Bipolar Disorder: Explore Key
differences between the types. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/bipolar-disorder-overview-378810
Severus, E. & Bauer, M. (2013). Diagnosing bipolar disorders in DSM-5. International Journal
of Bipolar Disorders, Vol.1, No.14. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4230313/
