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Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. People who have bipolar disorder experience dramatic mood swings. They have times when they feel overly energetic. At other times, they feel sad and hopeless. Their moods can fluctuate by going up or down. The up feeling is called mania. The down feeling is depression. Bipolar disorder can run in families. It usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. If you think you may have it, tell your health care provider. A medical check-up can rule out other illnesses that might cause your mood changes.

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The question is does bipolar disorder mainly impact creative people or is it the stress and pressure of being in the public eye? Actress Selena Gomez, rapper Ye (Kanye West), singer and songwriter Mariah Carey, have all spoken out about living with bipolar disorder.
K.W

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress.

N.R.

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Overview

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions get in the way of daily activities and cause a lot of distress.

Ultimately, you feel driven to do compulsive acts to ease your stress. Even if you try to ignore or get rid of bothersome thoughts or urges, they keep coming back. This leads you to act based on ritual. This is the vicious cycle of OCD.

OCD often centers around certain themes, such as being overly fearful of getting contaminated by germs. To ease contamination fears, you may wash your hands over and over again until they're sore and chapped.

If you have OCD, you may be ashamed, embarrassed and frustrated about the condition. But treatment can be effective.

Symptoms

Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually includes both obsessions and compulsions. But it's also possible to have only obsession symptoms or only compulsion symptoms. You may or may not know that your obsessions and compulsions are beyond reason. But they take up a great deal of time, reduce your quality of life, and get in the way of your daily routines and responsibilities.

Obsession symptoms

OCD obsessions are lasting and unwanted thoughts that keeping coming back or urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by acting based on ritual. These obsessions usually intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.

Obsessions often have themes, such as:

Fear of contamination or dirt.

Doubting and having a hard time dealing with uncertainty.

Needing things to be orderly and balanced.

Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others.

Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects.

Examples of obsession symptoms include:

Fear of being contaminated by touching objects others have touched.

Doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove.

Intense stress when objects aren't orderly or facing a certain way.

Images of driving your car into a crowd of people.

Thoughts about shouting obscenities or not acting the right way in public.

Unpleasant sexual images.

Staying away from situations that can cause obsessions, such as shaking hands.

Compulsion symptoms

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to do. These repetitive behaviors or mental acts are meant to reduce anxiety related to your obsessions or prevent something bad from happening. But taking part in the compulsions brings no pleasure and may offer only limited relief from anxiety.

You may make up rules or rituals to follow that help control your anxiety when you're having obsessive thoughts. These compulsions are beyond reason and often don't relate to the issue they're intended to fix.

As with obsessions, compulsions usually have themes, such as:

Washing and cleaning.

Checking.

Counting.

Ordering.

Following a strict routine.

Demanding reassurance.

Examples of compulsion symptoms include:

Hand-washing until your skin becomes raw.

Checking doors over and over again to make sure they're locked.

Checking the stove over and over again to make sure it's off.

Counting in certain patterns.

Silently repeating a prayer, word or phrase.

Trying to replace a bad thought with a good thought.

Arranging your canned goods to face the same way.

Severity varies

OCD usually begins in the teen or young adult years, but it can start in childhood. Symptoms usually begin over time and tend to vary in how serious they are throughout life. The types of obsessions and compulsions you have also can change over time. Symptoms generally get worse when you are under greater stress, including times of transition and change. OCD, usually thought to be a lifelong disorder, can have mild to moderate symptoms or be so severe and time-consuming that it becomes disabling.

When to see a doctor

There's a difference between being a perfectionist - someone who needs flawless results or performance - and having OCD. OCD thoughts aren't simply excessive worries about real issues in your life or liking to have things clean or arranged in a specific way.

If your obsessions and compulsions affect your quality of life, see your doctor or mental health professional.

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Causes

The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't fully understood. Main theories include:

Biology. OCD may be due to changes in your body's natural chemistry or brain functions.

Genetics. OCD may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be found.

Learning. Obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors can be learned from watching family members or learning them over time.

Risk factors

Factors that may raise the risk of causing obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

Family history. Having parents or other family members with the disorder can raise your risk of getting OCD.

Stressful life events. If you've gone through traumatic or stressful events, your risk may increase. This reaction may cause the intrusive thoughts, rituals and emotional distress seen in OCD.

Other mental health disorders. OCD may be related to other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse or tic disorders.

Complications

Issues due to obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

Excessive time spent taking part in ritualistic behaviors.

Health issues, such as contact dermatitis from frequent hand-washing.

Having a hard time going to work or school or taking part in social activities.

Troubled relationships.

Poor quality of life.

Thoughts about suicide and behavior related to suicide.

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, getting treated as soon as possible may help keep OCD from getting worse and disrupting activities and your daily routine.

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - Symptoms and causes

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OCD features unwanted thoughts and fears, or obsessions. These obsessions lead to repetitive behaviors, also known as compulsions, that get in the way of daily activities.

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What is Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)?

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What is Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)?

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• Antisocial personality disorder is a mental condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others without any remorse. This behavior may cause problems in relationships or at work and is often criminal.
• The exact cause is unknown. Antisocial personality disorder may be caused by imbalanced serotonin, abnormalities in prefrontal brain systems, and reduced autonomic activity.

• Antisocial personality disorder is considered a cluster B personality disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Antisocial behavior patterns usually begin showing up in childhood or adolescence. Sometimes young people are diagnosed with conduct disorder as a result.

ASPD
• Also referred to as sociopathy or psychopathy

• Individuals exhibit antisocial behavior

Antisocial Behavior:

⬞ Verbally or physically harmful to others, animals and/or property

⬞ Seriously violates social expectations or norms

⬞ Two components:

- Presence of antisocial behavior

- Absence of prosocial behavior

• Natural for children to exhibit some antisocial behavior during

development

• High levels of antisocial behavior considered a clinical condition

• Antisocial personality disorder is only diagnosed in adults, but bears resemblance to conduct disorder

• According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 4% of the population suffers from antisocial personality disorder

- 3% men

- 1% women

J.C.

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What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

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What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

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-According to our textbook, Essentials of Understanding Psychology, borderline personality disorder (aka BPD) is a "disorder characterized by problems regulating emotions and thoughts, displaying impulsive and reckless behavior, and having unstable relationships with others." (Feldman, 21)

C.J

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What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

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What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

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What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

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Narcissistic personality disorder - Symptoms and causes

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Narcissistic personality disorder - Symptoms and causes

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Narcissistic personality disorder - Symptoms and causes

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This mental disorder includes an unreasonably high sense of importance, a need for excessive admiration, fragile self-esteem, and troubled relationships.

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A movie about a battered wife and a narcissistic partner!
A.B.

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Enough: I Will Find You (Jennifer Lopez HD Clip)

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N.R.

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• The psychological condition known as ASPD is very relevant to psychology.

• A consistent pattern of disrespect for others' rights, a lack of empathy, and manipulative conduct are characteristics of antisocial personality disorder (Chang & Li, 2021).

• It's critical to comprehend how ASPD affects people's lives and interpersonal connections.

• Due to their disrespect for the rights and feelings of others, people with ASPD frequently fail to sustain meaningful relationships.

• Their lack of empathy makes them vulnerable to deception and using people for their gain.

• A person's social relationships, professional or academic performance, and legal repercussions can all be significantly impacted by ASPD.

• The psychological health and emotional well-being of the ASPD sufferer and those around them are impacted.

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• inconsistent employment

• unstable relationships

• impulsiveness

• cold and callous

• low tolerance for frustration

• thrill seeking behaviors

• reckless disregard for safety of self and others

• pleasant when getting their way

• quick to anger

• lack of remorse, guilt or shame

• breaking the law

• consistent irresponsibility

JC

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Certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing antisocial personality disorder, such as:

a) Diagnosis of childhood conduct disorder

b) Family history of antisocial personality disorder or other personality disorders or mental illness

c) Being subjected to abuse or neglect during childhood

d) Unstable, violent or chaotic family life during childhood
JC

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ASPD diagnosis can take time due to the nature of the symptoms overlapping with other disorders such as OCD, NPD, and mood disorders. Diagnosis comes from a psychiatrist who will likely consider childhood diagnoses and conduct as well as adult conduct to determine if their behavioral history matches the criteria for ASPD.

According to the DSM 5, a diagnosis of ASPD may be given if:

Three or more of the following occurred since age 15:

Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors, as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are ground for arrest

Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure

Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead

Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults

Reckless disregard for the safety of self or others

Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations

Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent, or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another

The individual is at least 18

Evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years

Occurrence of antisocial behavior not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

Assessment Methods for Diagnosing ASPD

- Clinical Interviews

- Psychological Testing

- Observation of Behavioural Patterns (Fakhrzadegan et al., 2017)

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Management Strategies for ASPD

• Psychotherapy

• Techniques for controlling anger

• Social Skills Development

• An all-encompassing evaluation and treatment planning are possible with the help of a multidisciplinary team made up of psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health specialists (Chang & Li, 2021).

Treatments and Therapies

Children and Adolescents

• Possible if intervention is soon enough, though difficult

• Primary treatment: therapy

- Goal: to develop positive behavior to replace negative ones

- Systematic, designed to improve communication within a group, often the family or a group of similar children

- Methods include: modeling, role-playing, corrective feedback and reinforcement systems

- Success is largely dependent on the cognitive capacity and emotional development of the individual

• Most severe cases - medication used to control behavior

Adults

• Extremely difficult to treat

• Often a chronic condition

• Some medications aid in controlling behavior

• However, non compliance and abuse prevent widespread use.
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Long-Term Outlook and Challenges

struggle to:

• Establish healthy relationships

• Find jobs, and deal with legal matters

Possibilities for Improvement and Beneficial Results

• Individuals' self-awareness, impulse control, and empathy can be improved through treatment and the acquisition of adaptive coping techniques (Fakhrzadegan et al., 2017)

JC

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Daily Experiences and Challenges

• Lack of regret and trouble empathizing with others might result in tense social interactions and loneliness

• Conflicts and legal repercussions

• Restlessness and discontent

Mechanisms and strategies for coping

• impulse control skills

• identifying triggers and relaxing exercises (Chang & Li, 2021).

JC

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It is significant to highlight that these instances are not intended to stigmatize or stereotype those with ASPD but to illustrate traits consistent with the illness.

They include:

• Ted Bundy

• Bernie Madoff

• Aileen Wuornos (Fakhrzadegan et al., 2017)
JC

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► American Psychiatric Association. (2022.) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 5th Edition, Text Revision. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

► Chang, X., & Li, J. (2021, December). Antisocial Personality Disorder Overview. In 2021 4th International Conference on Humanities Education and Social Sciences (ICHESS 2021) (pp. 2703-2709). Atlantis Press.

► Fakhrzadegan, S., Gholami-Doon, H., Shamloo, B., & Shokouhi-Moqhaddam, S. (2017). The relationship between personality disorders and the type of crime committed and substance used among prisoners. Addiction & health, 9(2), 64.

► Moore, M. (1956). The Mask of Sanity. An Attempt to Clarify Some Issues about the So-called Psychopathic Personality. American Journal of Psychiatry, 113(1), 92-92.
► Sonoski, Karen “Antisocial Personality Disorder: Often Overlooked and Untreated.” Psychiatry.Org - Antisocial Personality Disorder: Often Overlooked and Untreated, www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/antisocial-personality-disorder-often-overlooked.

JC

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In numerous films and television shows, characters with antisocial personality disorder are frequently shown to exhibit manipulative tactics, a lack of empathy, and a disrespect for social conventions

• Patrick Bateman from the film "American Psycho”

• Frank Underwood (House of Cards)

Accuracy of Portrayals

• It is important to distinguish between fictional representations and actual people with ASPD since the veracity of their portrayals may vary (Moore, 1956)
JC

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Carl Andrews
Christina Browne
Jala Codamon
Cora Jiron
Naomi Reed
Karessa Williams

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Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorders

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Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorders

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According to the Mayo Clinic website on BPD, symptoms include;

1. Fear of abandonment
2. Pattern of unstable relationships
3. Rapid/constant changes in self identity and self image
- including goals and values
4. Periods of stress related paranoia
5. Loss of contact with reality
6. Impulsive and risky behavior
-even if it is damaging to oneself
7. Intense anger
8. Wide mood swings
-can last up to days
9. Suicidal threats or behavior
-often in response to fear of separation/rejection

C.J

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The Mayo Clinic website also states the causes and risk factors that come along with borderline personality disorder.

Causes:
1. Genetics
2. Brain abnormalities
- This includes changes in areas of the brain that are involved with emotion regulation, impulsivity and aggression
3. Environmental Factors
- Child abuse or neglect

Risk Factors:
1. Hereditary predisposition
2. Stressful Childhood
- Many people with BPD have reported being sexually or physically abused or neglected during childhood.

C.J

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The article What Works in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder states that there are four different types of therapy that can help individuals with borderline personality disorder.

1. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- The most common form of therapy
- It can help those with BPD learn how to better manage their sensitivities and "interactions with others through acquisition of skills that enhance mindfulness and enable them to better tolerate distress, regulate their emotions, and manage relationships" (Choi-Kain et al., 2017).

2. Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT)
- MBT helps those with BPD learn how to strengthen one's ability to better "mentalize under the stress of attachment activation" (Choi-Kain et al., 2017).
- This helps patients learn how to assess their own emotions and certain situations better.

3. Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)
- TFP focuses on "the problematic interpersonal dynamics in the patient’s life and their resultant intense emotional states" (Choi-Kain et al., 2017).
- This form of therapy helps those with BPD have a better, healthier way of thinking about themselves and others.

4. Schema-Focused Therapy (SFT)
- SFT is "an integrative cognitive therapy focused on generating structural changes to a patient’s personality" (Choi-Kain et al., 2017).
- SFT helps those with borderline personality disorder replace their negative thinking and behavior by encouraging an attachment with a therapist, replacing their negative attachment from their past.

C.J

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Our text book explains how those with BPD "have difficulty in developing a clear understanding of who they are" (Feldman, 2021). This often leads to those with BPD to use the relationship they have with others to define who they are, but that means that with any "minor rejection by others is very devastating" and can lead to "impulsive and self destructive behaviors" (Feldman, 2021).

Individuals who have borderline personality disorder "often feel empty and alone and have difficulty cooperating with others" (Feldman, 2021). Often times, they form one-sided relationships with someone, demand their attention, and become very angry and emotional when they do not receive it.

C.J

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- Celebrities who open up about having disorders, such as BPD, can help others open up about their experience and feel more comfortable with themselves. The Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice website gave a list of 17 celebrities who have opened up about having borderline personality disorder.

1. Amber Portwood
2. Emma Forrest
3. Amy Winehouse
4. Brandon Marshall
5. Darrell Hammond
6.  Pete Davidson
7. Marilyn Monroe
8. Doug Ferrari
9. Madison Beer
10. Princess Diana
11. Anna Nicole Smith
12. Courtney Love
13. Joe Tracini
14. Nikki Hayes
15. Scott Levy ”Raven”
16. Mikaela Spielberg
17. Darren Day

C.J

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Movie and TV Show Characters People with BPD Relate To

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Movie and TV Show Characters People with BPD Relate To

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Virzi's article on 25 Fictional Characters People With Borderline Personality Disorder Relate To gives us perspective as to who individuals with BPD can relate to. Here is a list of some characters she said has resonated to those with BPD.

The Hulk from “The Avengers”

Rebecca from “Crazy-Ex Girlfriend”

Anakin Skywalker from “Star Wars”

BoJack from “BoJack Horseman”

Harley Quinn from “Suicide Squad"

Elsa from “Frozen”

Tina from “Bob’s Burgers”

Rocket from “Guardians of the Galaxy”

Rick from “Rick and Morty”

Tiffany from “Silver Linings Playbook”

Jessie from “Toy Story”

Nick from “New Girl”

C.J

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Feldman, R. S. (2021). Essentials of understanding psychology (14th ed.). Mcgraw-Hill Education. (pp. 485)

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, July 17). Borderline personality disorder - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20370237

Choi-Kain, L.W., Finch, E.F., Masland, S.R. et al. What Works in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 4, 21–30 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40473-017-0103-z

17 Famous People With Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) - TSMP Medical Blog. (2023, January 8). https://www.tsmp.com.au/blog/17-famous-people-with-borderline-personality-disorder-bpd.html

25 Fictional Characters People With Borderline Personality Disorder Relate To. (n.d.). Yahoo News. (2018) https://www.yahoo.com/news/25-fictional-characters-people-borderline-005354687.html

C.J

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I have done my research about domestic violence correlating with having a narcissistic personality disorder and it turned out that it does. I have been a part of domestic violence when I was young, and I’ve noticed specific behaviors of the men that my mom would be involved with. They were all kind of similar to each other. They would be arrogant, full of themselves and have a controlling behavior.

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Florida man arrested after domestic violence victim slips note to store clerk

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Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include:

Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder

Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event

Drug or alcohol abuse

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No matter how down or out of control you feel, it’s important to remember that you’re not powerless when it comes to bipolar disorder. Beyond the treatment you get from your doctor or therapist, there are many things you can do for yourself to reduce your symptoms and stay on track. Living well with bipolar disorder requires certain adjustments. Like diabetics who take insulin or recovering alcoholics who avoid drinking, if you have bipolar disorder, it's important to make healthy choices for yourself. Making these healthy choices will help you keep your symptoms under control, minimize mood episodes, and take control of your life.

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Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that includes high emotions and lows emotion (depression). When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to high emotion , you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, and judgment. Bipolar disorder was once called manic depression, during a maniac episode you may feel excessive happiness and excitement less need for sleep.

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The symptoms depend on whether you're in a manic or depressive phase.

During a manic high, you may feel:

Very happy, energetic, or on edge

Needing little sleep

Overly self-confident

During a depressive episode, you may have:

Trouble thinking and making decisions

Memory problems

Less interest in things you've enjoyed in the past

Thoughts about killing yourself

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Bipolar can be tricky to diagnose. Your doctor or therapist will ask detailed questions about your symptoms. You may need blood and urine tests to rule out other problems.

There are two types of bipolar disorder—I and II. To be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, you must have had:

A manic episode lasting at least a week (or less, if you had to be hospitalized).

During that episode, three or more symptoms of mania.

For bipolar II disorder, your doctor will look for the same symptoms, but the manic high may be less severe and shorter.
K.W

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Diagnosis

To determine if you have bipolar disorder, your evaluation may include:

Diagnosis in children

Although diagnosis of children and teenagers with bipolar disorder includes the same criteria that are used for adults, symptoms in children and teens often have different patterns and may not fit neatly into the diagnostic categories.

Also, children who have bipolar disorder are frequently also diagnosed with other mental health conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or behavior problems, which can make diagnosis more complicated. Referral to a child psychiatrist with experience in bipolar disorder is recommended.

Treatment

Treatment is best guided by a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (psychiatrist) who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. You may have a treatment team that also includes a psychologist, social worker and psychiatric nurse.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. Treatment is directed at managing symptoms. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

The primary treatments for bipolar disorder include medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) to control symptoms, and also may include education and support groups.

Medications

A number of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder. The types and doses of medications prescribed are based on your particular symptoms.

Medications may include:

Finding the right medication

Finding the right medication or medications for you will likely take some trial and error. If one doesn't work well for you, there are several others to try.

This process requires patience, as some medications need weeks to months to take full effect. Generally only one medication is changed at a time so that your doctor can identify which medications work to relieve your symptoms with the least bothersome side effects. Medications also may need to be adjusted as your symptoms change.

Side effects

Mild side effects often improve as you find the right medications and doses that work for you, and your body adjusts to the medications. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you have bothersome side effects.

Don't make changes or stop taking your medications. If you stop your medication, you may experience withdrawal effects or your symptoms may worsen or return. You may become very depressed, feel suicidal, or go into a manic or hypomanic episode. If you think you need to make a change, call your doctor.

Medications and pregnancy

A number of medications for bipolar disorder can be associated with birth defects and can pass through breast milk to your baby. Certain medications, such as valproic acid and divalproex sodium, should not be used during pregnancy. Also, birth control medications may lose effectiveness when taken along with certain bipolar disorder medications.

Discuss treatment options with your doctor before you become pregnant, if possible. If you're taking medication to treat your bipolar disorder and think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor right away.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a vital part of bipolar disorder treatment and can be provided in individual, family or group settings. Several types of therapy may be helpful. These include:

Other treatment options

Depending on your needs, other treatments may be added to your depression therapy.

During electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), electrical currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can reverse symptoms of certain mental illnesses. ECT may be an option for bipolar treatment if you don't get better with medications, can't take antidepressants for health reasons such as pregnancy or are at high risk of suicide.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is being investigated as an option for those who haven't responded to antidepressants.

Treatment in children and teenagers

Treatments for children and teenagers are generally decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on symptoms, medication side effects and other factors. Generally, treatment includes:

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Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Lifestyle and home remedies

You'll probably need to make lifestyle changes to stop cycles of behavior that worsen your bipolar disorder. Here are some steps to take:

Alternative medicine

There isn't much research on alternative or complementary medicine - sometimes called integrative medicine - and bipolar disorder. Most of the studies are on major depression, so it isn't clear how these nontraditional approaches work for bipolar disorder.

If you choose to use alternative or complementary medicine in addition to your physician-recommended treatment, take some precautions first:

Don't stop taking your prescribed medications or skip therapy sessions. Alternative or complementary medicine is not a substitute for regular medical care when it comes to treating bipolar disorder.

Be honest with your doctors and mental health professionals. Tell them exactly which alternative or complementary treatments you use or would like to try.

Be aware of potential dangers. Alternative and complementary products aren't regulated the way prescription drugs are. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe. Before using alternative or complementary medicine, talk to your doctor about the risks, including possible serious interactions with medications.

Coping and support

Coping with bipolar disorder can be challenging. Here are some strategies that can help:

Preparing for your appointment

You may start by seeing your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist. You may want to take a family member or friend along to your appointment, if possible, for support and to help remember information.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

Some questions to ask your doctor may include:

Do I have bipolar disorder?

Are there any other possible causes for my symptoms?

What kinds of tests will I need?

What treatments are available? Which do you recommend for me?

What side effects are possible with that treatment?

What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?

I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?

Should I see a psychiatrist or other mental health professional?

Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?

Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have?

What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor will likely ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them to reserve time to go over any points you want to focus on. Your doctor may ask:

When did you or your loved ones first begin noticing your symptoms?

How frequently do your moods change?

Do you ever have suicidal thoughts when you're feeling down?

Do your symptoms interfere with your daily life or relationships?

Do you have any blood relatives with bipolar disorder or depression?

What other mental or physical health conditions do you have?

Do you drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or use recreational drugs?

How much do you sleep at night? Does it change over time?

Do you go through periods when you take risks that you wouldn't normally take, such as unsafe sex or unwise, spontaneous financial decisions?

What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?

What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

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Bipolar disorder - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

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Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

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Bipolar disorder can be treated. The right medicines and therapy can help you feel better.

Medicines

You may need to try several medicines to find the right ones for you.

Most people need to take a medicine called a mood stabilizer each day.

Medicines called antipsychotics can help get a manic phase under control.

Antidepressants can be used for depressive episodes. But they can cause some people to swing into a manic phase, so they're used carefully.

Therapy

Counseling for you and your family is important too. It can help you cope with some of the issues that bipolar can cause as it may disrupt your work and relationships.

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When it comes to TV shows and movies bipolar disorder is not always portrayed right. The media will often support stereotypes about the condition and the people who have it, the media and entertainment have a powerful influence on public awareness and perception of how bipolar disorder is understood. characters who cope with their bipolar disorder on screen define and embody  the experience for audiences. Today, there is a growing movement to represent people living with mental illness more authentically in film and television. Mental illness in general depictions of serious, complex condition like bipolar disorder, are often oversimplified and portrayed negatively.

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many individuals with bipolar disorder can live full and satisfying lives. Persons with bipolar disorder are likely to have periods of normal or near normal functioning between episodes. With treatment, the prognosis of bipolar disorder is positive. Dedication to your treatment plan, as well as working with compassionate and educated health professionals, can improve your day-to-day life and empower you to feel in control of your diagnosis, your treatment, and your future.

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Learn about schizophrenia, including onset & symptoms, risk factors, treatments and therapies, how to help a loved one, & resources for more information.

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According to the Mayo Clinic website on Schizophrenia, there are five main symptoms of schizophrenia.

1. Delusions
- Most common
- False beliefs that are not based on reality
- Example: thinking the government is after you, thinking you are famous, thinking you are being harmed or harassed, etc.

2. Hallucinations
- Hearing or seeing things that do not exist or are not actually there.
- Auditory hallucinations are the most common

3. Disorganized thinking (speech)
- Effective communication can be impaired.
- Answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated.

4. Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior
- Excessive movement
- Childlike behavior
-  Resistance to instruction
- Peculiar posture

5. Negative symptoms
- Reduced or lack of ability to function normally
- Example: lack of hygiene, lack of emotion (no eye contact, monotone, lack of facial expressions), socially isolated, lack of interest in everyday activities, and so on.

C.J

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Schizophrenia can have a range of causes. There is a lot that researchers still don't know and it is likely to be caused by a combination of genetic, personal and environmental factors. These factors will be different for everybody but may include: ⬞ Stressful life events, Drug and alcohol use, Genetic inheritance, and Differences in brain chemistry.

Stressful life events                 Highly stressful or life-changing events may sometimes trigger schizophrenia. These can include:   •losing someone close to you
• being out of work
• feeling lonely or isolated
• having money problems
• becoming homeless
• being abused or harassed

Drug and alcohol use

- Some people may develop symptoms of schizophrenia after using cannabis or other recreational drugs.

Genetic inheritance

- You are more likely to have schizophrenia if you have a parent or sibling who has experienced psychosis.

Differences in brain chemistry

- Studies show that people can be more likely to experience schizophrenia if their brain development was disrupted during pregnancy or early childhood. Changes in brain structure do not appear in everyone with schizophrenia though.

Reference
“What Is Schizophrenia?” Psychiatry.Org - What Is Schizophrenia?, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia.
J.C.

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Treatments for schizophrenia include the following:

Medications

(1st and 2nd-generation antipsychotics)

Psychosocial interventions such as individual therapy, family therapy, social skills training, vocational rehabilitation and supported employment.

Electroconclusive Therapy (ECT)

Hospitalization

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354449

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CELEBRITIES THAT LIVED WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

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CELEBRITIES THAT LIVED WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

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K.W

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Many people including celebrities live with the long-term chronic disorder known as schizophrenia. These are just some of the famous people who live with this disorder.

Schizophrenia is a long-term (chronic) mental health disorder that can affect nearly every aspect of your life. It can affect the way you think, and may also disrupt your behavior, relationships, and feelings. Without early diagnosis and treatment, the outcome is uncertain.

Due to the complexities surrounding schizophrenia, celebrities with the condition have come out to talk about their own experiences. Their stories serve as inspiration, and their actions help to fight stigma about the disorder.

Discover six of these celebrities and what they've had to say about schizophrenia.
Learn more: Understanding schizophrenia "
Lionel Aldridge is perhaps best known for his role in helping the Green Bay Packers win two Super Bowl championships in the 1960s. He went on to retire from playing to work as a sports analyst.

Aldridge started noticing some changes in his 30s that disrupted his life and relationships. He got divorced and was even homeless for a couple of years in the 1980s.

He started speaking publicly about schizophrenia shortly after receiving a diagnosis. He now focuses on giving speeches and talking to others about his experiences. "When I started, I did it as a way to keep myself stable," he has said. "But once I got well, it serves as a way to get the information out ... My accomplishment is that people are hearing what can be done. People can and do recover from mental illness. The medication is important, but it doesn't cure you. I won with the things I did to help myself and people who may be suffering now or people who may know someone who is suffering can hear that."

Zelda Fitzgerald was most famous for being married to American modernist writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. But during her short life, Fitzgerald was a socialite who also had her own creative pursuits, such as writing and painting.

Fitzgerald was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1930, at the age of 30. She spent the rest of her life in and out of mental health facilities until her death in 1948. Her battles with mental health issues were publicly known. And her husband even used them as inspiration for some of the female characters in his novels.

In a 1931 letter to her husband, she wrote, "My dear, I think of you always and at night I build myself a warm nest of things I remember and float in your sweetness till morning."

Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist, Peter Green, has discussed his experiences with schizophrenia publicly. While he was seemingly on top of the world with his band, Green's personal life started to spiral out of control in the early 1970s.

He told the Los Angeles Times about when he was admitted to a hospital. "I was throwing things around and smashing things up. I smashed the car wind screen. The police took me to the station and asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital. I said yes because I didn't feel safe going back anywhere else."

Green went through aggressive treatments that included multiple medications. He eventually left the hospital and started playing guitar again. He has said, "It hurt my fingers at first, and I am still relearning. What I have discovered is simplicity. Back to basics. I used to worry and make things very complicated. Now I keep it simple."

Hammond is known for his spoofs on "Saturday Night Live" of celebrities and politicians like John McCain, Donald Trump, and Bill Clinton. But the public was surprised when he publicly discussed the very serious subjects of mental health and abuse.

In a CNN interview, the actor detailed childhood abuse inflicted by his own mother. During his early adulthood, Hammond explained how he was diagnosed with schizophrenia along with other mental health conditions. He stated, "I was on as many as seven medications at one time. Doctors didn't know what to do with me."

After leaving "Saturday Night Live," Hammond began speaking out about his addictions and personal battles and wrote a memoir.

The late mathematician and professor John Nash is perhaps most famous for the depiction of his story in the 2001 film "A Beautiful Mind." The film chronicles Nash's experiences with schizophrenia, which is sometimes credited as fueling some of his greatest mathematical breakthroughs.

Nash didn't give many interviews about his personal life. But he did write about his condition. He is famous for saying, "People are always selling the idea that people with mental illness are suffering. I think madness can be an escape. If things are not so good, you maybe want to imagine something better."

Skip Spence was a guitarist and singer-songwriter best known for his work with the psychedelic band Moby Grape. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia in the middle of recording an album with the band.

Spence later debuted a solo album, which critics dismissed as "crazy music." But despite one's opinion on Spence's music, perhaps his lyrics were an outlet for speaking about his condition. Take, for example, the lyrics from a song called " Little Hands ": Little hands clapping / Children are happy / Little hands loving all 'round the world / Little hands clasping / Truth they are grasping / A world with no pain for one and all.
Read more: 'I won't let schizophrenia define our friendship' "

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Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that affects about 1 percent of the population. Learn about celebrities who have been diagnosed with this disorder.

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K.W

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Psychiatrist Breaks Down Mental Health Scenes From Movies & TV | GQ

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Alessandro Miola, Leonardo Tondo, Marco Pinna, Martina Contu & Ross J. Baldessarini

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders volume 11, Article number: 21 (2023)

BMJ 2023; 381 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-073591 (Published 12 April 2023)

Rodrigo Machado-Vieira, M.D., Ph.D., David A. Luckenbaugh, M.A., Elizabeth D. Ballard, Ph.D., Ioline D. Henter, M.A., Mauricio Tohen, M.D., Dr.P.H., Trisha Suppes, …

Published Online:13 Aug 2016https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15091132

Bipolar disorders in DSM-5: strengths, problems and perspectives

Authors: Jules Angst

Content type: Short communication23 August 2013

Ross J. Baldessarini, Gustavo H. Vázquez & Leonardo Tondo

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders
volume 8, Article number: 1 (2020)

By Melinda Smith, M.A. and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D.

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Celebrities with OCD include:

David Beckham

Katy Perry

Howard Hughes

Leonardo DiCaprio

Lena Dunham

Howard Stern

Fiona Apple

Justin Timberlake

Howie Mandel

Kelly Rowland (Destiny's Child)