Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is a mental disorder that manifested in severe shifts in mood, concentration, desire to perform activities, and the ability to carry routine responsibilities and tasks (“Bipolar disorder,” 2020). The main danger of this disease occurs because of “episodes” of mood swings. During the increased activity, a person can commit acts that threaten his or her life, health, and reputation. During depressive episodes, a person feels miserable, which can lead to health and relationship problems and an increased risk of suicide. However, ongoing treatment can help control symptoms and avoid significant mood swings. In this case, bipolar disorder does not interfere with building a career in any professional area and personal relationships.
The main signs of bipolar disorder are mood swings, which manifest themselves in “up” and “down” episodes (“Bipolar disorder,” 2020). In the first case, a person experiences a surge of energy and performs unusual and risky actions for him or her, and most often does not realize their consequences. Depressive episodes are characterized by a loss of interest, an unwillingness to communicate with others and perform even routine things.
The manifestation of symptoms, in general, does not depend on the person’s age or gender; however, there are trends in the primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is divided into several types due to the severity of symptoms. With Bipolar I Disorder, episodes last for one-two week, and a person needs hospitalization (“Bipolar disorder,” 2020). With Bipolar II Disorder, the symptoms are less severe, and this condition is called a hypomanic episode. Cyclothymic Disorder defines periods of hypomanic or depressive symptoms that last at least two years but do not have a severe manifestation to be diagnosed as bipolar disorder. Sometimes symptoms do not refer to any of these types.
Scientists have not yet found the exact reasons for the occurrence of bipolar disorder, but there are factors associated with its emerging. First, there is a genetic predisposition of a person to the disorder (“Bipolar disorder,” 2020). Secondly, scientists note that in people with bipolar disorder, the structure and functioning of the brain are different, which is associated with the production of hormones (“Bipolar disorder,” 2020). Besides, Aldinger & Schulze (2016) note that emotional and physical violence or abuse of children, as well as similar traumatic experiences of adults, can be the cause of the disorder’s development. For example, the death of a loved one or exposure to domestic violence can trigger symptoms.
Medication is usually a required part of treatment because it helps control and contain the symptoms of episodes. Mood stabilizers such as lithium and anticonvulsant medicines help control mood swings without causing sudden changes (“Treatment,” 2019). They are also required while taking antidepressants to prevent a spike in manic symptoms. Antipsychotics, for example, aripiprazole, olanzapine, on the other hand, stabilize the condition in manic episodes (“Treatment,” 2019). Medicines also can be used to treat specific manifestations of episodes, such as insomnia or anxiety. The correct combination of medications during a worsening of symptoms and calm phases allows a person to live a regular life. There are also non-medicine treatment options for bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy is usually a routine part of a treatment program, during which the patients talk about their health, mood, and concerns to determine and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors (“Bipolar disorder,” 2020). Electroconvulsive therapy is one of the invasive treatment methods used when medications are ineffective, and it involves stimulating some areas of the brain with impulses to eliminate severe symptoms (“Bipolar disorder,” 2020). This procedure is painless and safe and is regarded as a quick response to a patient’s serious problems. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a similar procedure; however, it uses magnetic stimuli and aims to treat depression. Avoiding medical treatment is often not an effective remedy for the symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, doctors recommend keeping a healthy lifestyle and tracking changes in behavior to improve the condition (“Treatment,” 2019). These recommendations include avoiding stress, eating and sleeping healthy, and exercising regularly; for example, running, cycling, or swimming. In addition, keeping a diary and mood charts helps to detect early symptoms of episodes and avoid them (“Bipolar disorder, 2020). For instance, it is easier for a person to note an increase in activity for no apparent reason with a diary and adjust treatment with his or her healthcare professional. This simple technique prevents unexpected mood swings and a lengthy recovery period to regular life and activities.
Kanye West is a famous American singer, rapper, and public person with thousands of fans. Kanye West has received numerous awards, including 21 Grammys, making him one of the Recording Academy’s most awarded artists. Kani has many successful production projects as well as an entrepreneur and designer behind the Yeezy collaboration with Adidas. Kanye is also known for being married to popular media personality and businesswoman Kim Kardashian, with whom they have four children. One of the latest big news is Kanye West’s intention to run for US President in 2020 and the first speeches of his campaign. The first news of the diagnosis of Kaney West’s bipolar disorder came in 2016 after being hospitalized and canceling his concerts. Immediately afterward, Kaney denied the diagnosis and said that his problems were caused by sleep deprivation; however, today, he does not hide his diagnosis (Berman & Boguski, 2020). However, despite obvious problems, Kaney does not take any medication. His wife, Kim Kardashian, notes that they know how to deal with episodes without medicines as they change his personality (Berman & Boguski, 2020). Consequently, Kaney does not use the available treatment options because of his preferences.
The disorder significantly affects Kaney West’s life, but he also uses it to his advantage. For example, in the track “Yikes,” he clearly states his disorder, and on the cover of his album Ye, the phrase “I hate being bi-polar its awesome” is written, which attracted many fans. Besides, he says that manic episodes help him work and create new tracks and projects, although, at the same time, he feels paranoid and irritable (Berman & Boguski, 2020). In addition, many people believe that Kaney’s desire to become president is a manifestation of his manic episode, and they criticize his decisions and speeches (Berman & Boguski, 2020). Consequently, bipolar disorder has significant impacts on Kanye West’s life, and although his publicity so far allows him to use it to his advantage, without further treatment, the situation can worsen
References
Aldinger, F., & Schulze, T. G. (2016). Environmental factors, life events, and trauma in the course of bipolar disorder. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 71(1), 6–17.
Bipolar disorder. (2020). Web.
Berman, M. R. & Boguski, M.S. (2020). Understanding Kanye West’s bipolar disorder. Medical News and Free CME Online. Web.
Treatment-Bipolar disorder. (2019). Web.