Living the Criteria of the DSM

Select a famous person who has been diagnosed with a disorder listed in the DSM-5. In a 5-6 page analysis, discuss how well the criteria in the DSM-5 fit the person. Analyze the person’s quality of life and how the disorder impeded or enhanced their success. Analyze possible treatments for the diagnosis.

ANSWER

Introduction

Bipolar disorder is a mental health problem that is described by distracting the mood periods that last days to weeks in different episodes. Mode episodes may led to a person feeling abnormally energetic, happy or irritable or very low. More than three percent of Americans have been identified with Bipolar disorder. This paper will focus on one famous person, Catherine Zeta Jones who was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder. Catherine Zeta Jones has Bipolar II disorder which is characterized by episodes of hypomania which alternates with depression.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder is a mental illness that results from extreme mood swings. People with bipolar II disorder often experience periods of depression, followed by episodes of hypomania. Hypomania is characterized by high energy levels, impulsivity, and irritability. Bipolar II disorder can be a very debilitating condition. It can interfere with one’s ability to work, study, and maintain healthy relationships. There is no treatment for bipolar II disorder, but it is treatable. However, if left untreated, it can lead to suicide. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. With treatment, individuals with bipolar II disorder can live normally and productively.

The disclosure strong actress Catherine Zeta Jones has been identified with Bipolar II Disorder shown hallmarks of the mental health condition (Abc News, 2011). This can strike any time when an individual’s life and is often liked to prolonged stress. Zeta Jones was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder which was linked to longer low periods. People with Bipolar II Disorder have extreme downs and ups than normal person. The different episodes of depression lead to feelings of discouragement and sadness as well as hard time to enjoy things.

Catherine Zeta Jones Bipolar II Disorder

Zeta Jones is a world-renowned actress and producer. She started her career as a child actress, appearing in a number of British television shows. She made her film debut in the 1981 film The Darling Buds of May. She rose to prominence in the 1998 film The Mask of Zorro, starring alongside Antonio Banderas. She has since appeared in a number of successful films, including Chicago, Entrapment, and Traffic. She has starred in some of the most popular films of all time, including The Mask of Zorro, Chicago, and Entrapment. In addition to her work in film, she has also appeared on stage and television. Catherine Zeta Jones was identified with Bipolar II Disorder in 2011. She has since been exposed about her disorder, and has spoken about it publicly on several occasions. In 2014, she founded the Catherine Zeta Jones Bipolar Foundation, which aims to help others who suffer from bipolar disorder.

The precise cause of bipolar II disorder is not known. However, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For instance, a person with first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with the disorder, is more likely to develop the condition (Bayes, Parker and Paris, 2019). Environmental factors, such as stress, can also trigger the onset of bipolar II disorder. Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, divorce or job loss can trigger a depressive episode. Stress is among the common triggers of Bipolar II disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The condition is linked to someone having prolonged trouble sleeping, feelings of agitation, suicide thoughts and appetite changes. Zeta Jones has experienced a lot of stress over the years which has greatly contributed to Bipolar II Disorder condition.

 DSM 5-Criteria

There are four primary criteria that must be met in order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, according to the DSM-5. The presence of more major depressive periods. This must be associated by at least three of the following symptoms: a loss of pleasure or interest in activities that were once appreciated, variations in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue or low energy levels, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, trouble concentrating or making choices and thoughts of suicide or death (Tondo et al., 2018)

The presence of at least one hypomanic episode (a period of abnormally elevated mood and increased activity level. This must meet the criteria for a manic episode, and must also be accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms: increased energy levels or activity levels, excessive talking, racing thoughts, a decreased need for sleep, impulsive or risky behavior and inflated self-esteem (Kramer and Suppes, 2019). These symptoms must led great distress or weakening in social, work-related or other significant functioning area.

The episodes of depression and hypomania must be separated by a period of less than two months in which the discrete experiences no symptoms of either disorder (Vieta, 2019). It is also possible for an individual to experience both depressive and manic symptoms at the same time. This is known as a mixed episode. The symptoms cannot be better explained by another psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia or substance use disorder.

How the DSM Criteria Well Fit Catherine Zeta Jones

Catherine Zeta Jones has been admitted in Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut after she was suffering from Bipolar II Disorder. She was undergoing marked stress in the previous months after her husband Michael was diagnosed with throat cancer. Catherine’s Bipolar II Disorder was characterized by episodes of depressive illnesses that alternated with periods of mild mania. Catherine Zeta symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder meet the DSM-5 criteria. Catherine Zeta-Jones is a high-functioning individual with Bipolar II Disorder. She meets the criteria for the disorder, as defined by DSM-5, in several ways. First, she has encountered at least one major depressive event. This episode must last for at least two weeks and cause substantial distress or damage in her life.

She has also experienced at least one hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode comprises of extreme changes in behavior, mood, energy and activity level (Gitlin and Malhi, 2020). Second, her episodes of depression and hypomania have been relatively stable over time. That is, she has not experienced any significant changes in her symptoms or their severity. Third, her symptoms are not due to the use of drugs or alcohol, or to a medical condition such as thyroid problems. Fourth, her symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder, such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Catherine’s Quality of life

Catherine Zeta Jones relates her condition of Bipolar II Disorder to her long low and high period’s as well stressful events in her life.  Zeta Jones had been struggling with bipolar II disorder with the mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings, which made it difficult for her to lead a normal life. Zeta Jones has spoken openly about her battle with bipolar II disorder, and how it has caused disruptions in her life. In many interviews, she spoke about how the illness caused her to experience periods of extreme highs and lows. During the low periods, she would often feel depressed and anxious, which made it difficult for her to work or even leave her house. At times, the illness also caused Zeta Jones to act out in destructive ways. She has admitted to engaging in risky behavior when she was in a depressive state. These behaviors led to several conflicts that threatened to damage her relationships.

Bipolar II Disorder has negatively affected Catherine Zeta Jones quality of life. Considerably, a number of studies indicate that there is a significant link between the poor mental and physical health and psychological stressors (Bayes, Parker and Paris, 2019). Additionally, stressful events result to low quality of life and low well-being. Catherine Zeta complain of Bipolar II Disorder making her feel irritable, anxious and lowered her self-esteem. Experiencing a lot of stress in a longer period can negatively lead to emotional, mental and physical exhaustion. She could sleep, feel less active than usual, feel irritated, guilty, exhausted, disconnected and had mixed moods which would swing between low and extreme moments (Sara and KC, 2011). In one of the interviews while speaking about her condition, she stated that her condition led to imbalance in life due to worries, not sleeping and stress as a result of her husband’s diagnosis with cancer.

Her husband, Michael Douglas, has been very supportive throughout her journey with bipolar II disorder. In an interview, he spoke about how the illness has both impeded and enhanced their relationship. The high periods of the disorder caused Zeta Jones to be very energetic and creative. This led to her being successful in several projects. However, the lows of the disorder led to her being withdrawn and sometimes even violent.

The impact of bipolar II disorder on Zeta Jones’ career has been both positive and negative. The high periods of the disorder have led to her being very successful in her projects. However, the lows of the disorder have led to her avoiding work and sometimes even damaging her relationships with others. Additionally, the high periods of the disorder have led to her being very outgoing and social. However, the lows of the disorder have led to her being withdrawn.

Possible Treatment of Bipolar II Disorder

A suitable treatment of Bipolar II Disorder involves a mixture of psychotherapy and medication. Considerably, management of Bipolar II Disorder usually involves a continuous and long term process since the symptoms can re-occur. Some of the most effective medications include antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and anti-depressants (Vieta, 2019). Antipsychotics are able to reduce mania as well as provide a calming effect. Mood stabilizers help to even out the highs and lows of mood swings, and anti-depressants help to relieve symptoms of depression. However, it is important to note that not all medications work for everyone, so it may be necessary to try a few different types before finding the most effective one.

Therapy is also an important part of treatment for Bipolar II Disorder. It can help to provide support, education and guidance in managing symptoms and living with the condition. There are a number of different types of therapy that can be helpful, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy and interpersonal social rhythm therapy. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Family-focused therapy can help to improve communication and problem-solving within the family unit, while interpersonal social rhythm therapy can help to develop a more stable daily routine. It is also important to make lifestyle changes in order to help manage symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder. This can include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and avoiding stress. Making these changes can help to stabilize mood swings and improve overall well-being.

Conclusion

Bipolar II Disorder is a condition that leads to unusual shifts in energy, mood and activity levels as well as the ability of an individual to conduct day to day operations. Bipolar II Disorder is diagnosed when one encounters patterns of hypomanic and depressive episodes but not extreme manic disorders. The Bipolar II Disorder patients may also experience continuous and severe feelings of depression. Catherine Zeta Jones met the DSM 5 Criteria for Bipolar II Disorder after a psychological and physical evaluation. Bipolar II Disorder has affected the quality of her life due to negative and positive moods as well as stressful events that result to less productive and unhealthy life. A combination of therapy and medication can play a big role in the treatment of Bipolar II Disorder.

Living the Criteria of the DSM Assignment: References

Abc News. (2011). Catherine Zeta-Jones Sheds Light on Bipolar II Disorder. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/BipolarDisorder/catherine-zeta-jones-sheds-light-bipolar-disorder/story?id=13373202

Bayes, A., Parker, G., & Paris, J. (2019). Differential diagnosis of bipolar II disorder and borderline personality disorder. Current psychiatry reports, 21(12), 1-11.

Gitlin, M., & Malhi, G. S. (2020). The existential crisis of bipolar II disorder. International Journal of Bipolar Disorders, 8(1), 1-7.

Kramer, N., & Suppes, T. (2019). Diagnosing Bipolar II Disorder. Bipolar II Disorder: Recognition, Understanding, and Treatment, 17.

Sara. H., & KC, B., (2011). Catherine Zeta-Jones Bipolar Disorder: Her Private Struggle. https://people.com/celebrity/catherine-zeta-jones-bipolar-ii-disorder-struggle/

Tondo, L., Vázquez, G. H., Pinna, M., Vaccotto, P. A., & Baldessarini, R. J. (2018). Characteristics of depressive and bipolar disorder patients with mixed features. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 138(3), 243-252.

Vieta, E. (2019). Bipolar II disorder: frequent, valid, and reliable. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 64(8), 541-543.

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