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Bipolar Disorder – “Of Two Minds” Name Institution Course Instructor Date Bipolar Disorder – “Of Two Minds” Introduction Bipolar disorder is a topic that strongly connects to a personal level of view considering the result of this disorder's adverse effects on human life. Seeing loved ones and close friends face the struggles of bipolar disorder has nurtured a feeling of empathy alongside an inquisitive nature concerning this complex mental health condition. Thus, the main objective of this assignment is to explore bipolar disorder within the context of the documentary movie "Of Two Minds." It will thoroughly examine the symptoms, therapies, and lived experiences presented in the movie and further insights from the empirical research literature. Through examining the depiction of bipolar disorder in "Of Two Minds," this paper aims to increase understanding of the highly complex nature of the disease and its consequences on the personal and interpersonal functioning of an individual. Furthermore, this paper will critically analyze the authenticity of the movie's presentation of bipolar disorder, taking into account its strengths and weaknesses as it pertains to the representation of the complexities of the disorder. With such an analysis, the paper intends to help create a higher understanding of bipolar disorder and provide empathy, awareness, and destigmatization of mental health problems. In a nutshell, this paper emphasizes the importance of compassion, attention, and advocacy in the treatment of mental illnesses such as bipolar and other mental illnesses by examining the narratives in "Of Two Minds." Description of Bipolar Disorder Bi-polar disorder, previously termed manic depression, is a mental health condition where extreme mood swings are evident (Moenga, 2020). These mood swings can include episodes of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and prolonged depressive episodes characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and complete loss of interest or pleasure in activities that the affected individual once enjoyed. These mood episodes can range from short-term and mild to much longer and intense occurrences that may affect an individual's ability to function in daily activities and maintain healthy relationships. "Of Two Minds" documentary illustrates bipolar disorder with a deeply personal approach by presenting the stories of people who have lived with this condition. The movie not only presents the continuous cycle of bipolar disorder by showing the highs and lows of mood swings and how they influence the different areas of the character's life but also shows how it influences all main characters in their lives. Patients with bipolar disorder during their manic episodes often present with elevated energy levels, fast thinking, some impulsiveness, and higher-risk behaviors. "Of Two Minds" is centered upon intense manic episodes, depicting events of the character's euphoria and grandiosity, as well as the episodes of impulsivity and erratic mood variations that make their management more difficult. However, the unique feature of bipolar disorder is that phases of depression are marked by uninterrupted sensations of sadness, lack of self-worth, and no energy. The documentary is sympathetic, as it demonstrates the potent nature of depression through the lens of the perspective gained after experiencing profound despair and a sense of isolation during a severe episode. Further, "Of Two Minds" illustrates how affective episodes and people's relationships with each other, work, and self-esteem are interrelated. Viewers see the difficulties of the main characters while they are going through the complex maze of bipolar disorder. They cope with the stigma, medication side effects, and the terror of relapse. The film uncovers the complexity and genuine aspects of bipolar disorder by portraying many aspects of the condition as well as the consequences on individuals' lives. The documentary intimately uses storytelling and appeals to feelings of empathy, thus creating more awareness and understanding of bipolar disorder. Moreover, it challenges stereotypes and helps people work together and support the people who have bipolar. Causes and Contributing Factors The causes of bipolar disorder are multifaceted and involve a complicated integration of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Bipolar disorder is a complicated mental illness that has not yet proven to have a clear cause. However, several risk factors might increase the chances of developing this illness. Genetic predisposition is widely recognized as one of the main risk factors for the development of bipolar disorder. According to family studies conducted through scholarly research, it is clear that the case of having bipolar disorder runs in families (Gordovez & McMahon, 2020). A family history of mania is one of the key contributors to developing bipolar disorder. People whose relatives had this type of psychosis are more likely to suffer from it, too, which illustrates a strong genetic predisposition. Identical twins’ higher concordance rates than fraternal twins have further reinforced the heritability factor behind bipolar disorder through twin and adoption studies. Biological factors that can result in bipolar disorder include neurotransmitter system deviations, especially dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Disparity in functioning or level of manic or depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder is due to either imbalance or dysregulation of these neurotransmitters. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that there are structural and functional changes in the brain, including alterations in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus as well, which are linked with bipolar disorder, thereby suggesting brain abnormalities that underlie the condition (Förster et al., 2023). Environmental aspects also have an impact on the development and the contingency of bipolar disorder. Stressful conditions like a traumatic event, the loss of a person personally close, and significant life transitions can be triggered by mood episodes or factors that intensify existing symptoms in those individuals who are vulnerable. Substance addiction, alcohol, and stimulants have been shown to play a role in the development of bipolar disorder and can contribute to a more severe manifestation of the symptoms (Caccavale et al., 2023). Psychological factors, including early childhood adversity, broken family units, and maladaptive strategies of coping, may eventually lead to the development stage of bipolar disorder through implications on emotional balance, stress response, and functionality of interpersonal r...