Mental Illness Bipolar Disorder And The Opportunity For...

A psychological disorder is defined as â€Å"a condition in which a person s thoughts, feelings, or behavior are thought to be in some way dysfunctional† (Sullivan, 2009, p. 415). One such mental illness is Bipolar Disorder (BD) formally know as manic depression. Individuals suffering from BD experience â€Å"mood swings that alternate between periods of elevated or euphoric mood (manic episodes) and periods of depression† (Sullivan, 2009, p. 50). In the following case study, we will examine the case of Scoter, who suffers from bipolar disorder and two significant comorbidities. Further, this study will examine Scoter’s presenting problems and issues followed by the exploration of medical approaches used in treating BD, and the opportunity for†¦show more content†¦Presenting Complaint On February 16, 2016, the patient was admitted to Buckeye Hospital for surgical intervention and treatment for a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Six-day post suicide attempt the patient was moved to the psychiatric unit for further treatment and evaluation. A blood test not only confirmed the patient had progressed from HIV to AIDS but also that he suffered from extremely high cholesterol. Current levels are (HDL 36 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood (mg/dL), LDL 218 mg/dL, TGC 200 mg/dL (National Heart, Lung Blood Institute, 2005). Also, patients’ blood pressure is running high at 176/116. Case Presentation The patient resides alone in a rural locale outside of Phoenix. He completed high school, obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Digital Arts degree from Santa Fe University, and a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) Digital Arts and Illustration from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. He is a photographer who has experienced a steady decline in freelance contracts for two consecutive years, and he is deeply in debt, resulting in the impending foreclosure of his home. His parents are deceased; he is a gay male with no siblings or children; however, close friends appear outwardly concerned and supportive of his health care needs. After his BD diagnosis, friends report a change in his ability to make rational