Bipolar Disorder
UNDERSTAND AND PREVENT BIPOLAR DISORDER
This course is about a mood disorder that is so commonly discussed in the media of late-bipolar disorder. Although this disorder is not as common as depression, the number of bipolar disorder diagnoses appears to be rising, mainly because of new research and consideration of symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for bipolar but do have many similar symptoms that cause significant impairment. Such symptomatology may comprise other bipolar categories that are considered part of the “bipolar disorder spectrum.”
1.Introduction
This course is about a mood disorder that is so commonly discussed in the media of late-bipolar disorder. Although this disorder is not as common as depression, the number of bipolar disorder diagnoses appears to be rising, mainly because of new research and consideration of symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for bipolar but do have many similar symptoms that cause significant impairment.
2. What exactly are emotions and why do we have them?
Emotions are difficult to describe. Many dictionaries refer to feelings or moods when defining the word emotion, which further begs the question of what they are. Scientists who attempt to study emotional phenomena characterize them in terms of their particular interest, and thus definitions change depending on whether the scientist is studying the biological basis, psychological basis, or social basis of emotions.
3. What is the difference between thoughts and feelings?
Emotions or feelings are often distinguished from thoughts. Emotions are typically considered the irrational or animal part of humans, while thoughts are the rational part. Strong feelings such as anger, joy, fear, and sadness result in behaviors that do not seem to always serve one’s interests. Thoughts are the words in the head that give mental content to hopes, dreams, and desires.
4. How does the brain affect behavior and regulate emotional states?
The complex interaction between various brain components and the environment regulates emotions in a feedback loop that allows for both the environment to impact brain structure and function and the brain to impact on the environment through action.
5. What exactly is mental illness?
Before mental illness can be defined the concept of illness needs to be understood more completely.
