The Relationship Between Mental Illness And Violence

The relationship between mental illness and violence is often a controversial topic. People who suffer from mental illness are often labeled as potentially violent, even if they have no history of violence or violent tendencies. This stigma tends to be particularly strong when applied to people with bipolar disorder, which very often is misunderstood by others. Topic #16 from the list of suggestions, asks two questions: are people who are diagnosed manic-depressive/bipolar often violent, and what effects did Jamison’s violent outward behavior have on her? This research reflection paper intends to answer these questions, by explaining the association between bipolar disorder and violence, as well as providing guidance for assessing violence†¦show more content†¦The essential feature of Bipolar 2 Disorder is â€Å"a clinical course that is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Hypomanic Episode.†// Diagnostic symptoms of bipolar disorder include: at least one manic, depressive, or mixed episode and â€Å"clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning that are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication, or other treatment) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).† // Manic episodes are characterized by â€Å"a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting at least 1 week (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary).†// During these episodes, at least three symptoms tend to be present, such as: increased self-esteem or grandiosity; decreased need for sleep (feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep); more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking; flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing; distractibility (attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irr elevant external The Relationship Between Mental Illness And Violence The relationship between mental illness and violence is often a controversial topic. People who suffer from mental illness are often labeled as potentially violent, even if they have no history of violence or violent tendencies. This stigma tends to be particularly strong when applied to people with bipolar disorder, which very often is misunderstood by others. Topic #16 from the list of suggestions, asks two questions: are people who are diagnosed manic-depressive/bipolar often violent, and what effects did Jamison’s violent outward behavior have on her? This research reflection paper intends to answer these questions, by explaining the association between bipolar disorder and violence, as well as providing guidance for assessing violence potential and taking preventative measures.// â€Å"Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depressive illness) is a complex genetic disorder in which the core feature is pathological disturbance in mood (affect) ranging from extreme elation, or mania, to severe depression usually accompanied by disturbances in thinking and behavior.†// The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV) classifies two types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar 1 Disorder and Bipolar 2 Disorder. Bipolar 1 Disorder has primary symptoms of cycling episodes of mania and depression. The essential feature of Bipolar 1 Disorder as â€Å"a clinical course that is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Manic Episodes or Mixed Episodes.†//Show MoreRelatedThe Relationship Between Mental Illness And Violence1066 Words   |  5 PagesThe relationship between mental illness and violence is often a controversial topic. People who suffer from mental illness are often labeled as potentially violent, even if they have n o history of violence or violent tendencies. This stigma tends to be particularly strong when applied to people with bipolar disorder, which very often is misunderstood by others. Topic #16 from the list of suggestions, asks two questions: are people who are diagnosed manic-depressive/bipolar often violent, and whatRead MoreMental Illness and Violent Crime1184 Words   |  5 PagesThe stereotype that goes hand in hand with mental illness that though seems to have improved over the years is still pervasive. 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