Introduction
Bipolar disorder is a mental health illness marked by significant mood fluctuations, ranging from manic periods characterized by enhanced mood, energy, and activity levels to depressed episodes characterized by low mood and energy. Bipolar disorder is characterized by impulsivity, impatience, and violence.
Bipolar disorder has several symptoms that families and relevant bodies need to keep an eye on. The main symptoms of the disorder are related to the two types of bipolar which include depression, mania, and hypomania. The symptoms can create unknown changes in human behavior and mood, leading to a challenging life and further extreme stress. Essentially, there is bipolar I disorder, where an individual has at least a single manic episode that is, in turn, followed by fatal depressive episodes of the disorder. Then there is also bipolar II disorder, where the character is known for having at least one stressful severe episode and, in addition, has another hypomanic episode of the fatal disorder. It is equally important to note that bipolar II disorder is completely separated from bipolar I disorder since it is a different diagnosis.
In contrast, homicide refers to the intentional death of another person. The incidence of bipolar disorder differs between groups and civilizations. The World Health Organization estimates the lifetime prevalence of the bipolar disorder to range between 0.6% and 1.2% worldwide (McIntyre et al., 2020). Moreover, homicide rates vary across countries and regions, with some locations having greater rates than others. Essentially the crime of homicide involves intentionally taking another person’s life for personal reasons and is punishable under the rule of law. Notably, criminal homicide is defined as a crime not given any regard in the applicable and common law. The nature of punishments in homicide is a firm decision made by legal systems tasked to cause significant legal distinctions. The punishments in homicide are variable primarily in accordance with the nature of the killing and the intent of the dangerousness of the killer at the scene. The penalty can also vary based on the circumstances involving the killing.
Bipolar disorder and homicide is an important topic because it raises concerns about the propensity for violence among those with mental health disorders. It also emphasizes the importance of effective diagnosis, treatment, and support for those with the bipolar disease to prevent adverse outcomes like murder (Luciano et al., 2021). Furthermore, it raises fundamental considerations regarding the criminal justice system’s response to those with mental health disorders who conduct violent actions. Although people with bipolar disorder are not inherently violent, they may be more likely to commit homicide under specific conditions.
First trait: Homicide
Homicide is a serious criminal act that can have devastating consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator. It is a complex phenomenon that various factors, including mental illness, can influence. Bipolar disorder is one mental illness linked to an increased risk of violent behavior, including homicide (Whiting et al.,2021). Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by mood swings ranging from elevated or manic mood to periods of depressed mood (Miller& Black, 2020).
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severe and interfere with a person’s ability to function in their daily life. Even though not all individuals with bipolar disease engage in violent conduct, studies indicate that individuals with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of committing violent crimes, including homicide, than the general population.
One rationale for the increased likelihood of violent behavior among persons with bipolar disorder is the development of psychotic episodes. Psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions, which can lead to aggressive behavior, may accompany manic episodes. Bipolar illness individuals who experience psychotic symptoms may think they are invincible or on a special mission, which can lead to aggressive conduct. Manic episodes can occasionally be accompanied by impulsivity and poor judgment, sometimes contributing to aggressive conduct. Comorbid substance misuse further explains the association between homicide and bipolar disorder (Gordovez& McMahon, 2020). Bipolar disorder patients frequently abuse drugs, which has been associated with a higher chance of acting violently. Abuse of drugs or alcohol can make bipolar disorder symptoms worse and increase the likelihood of impulsive and aggressive behavior.
It is crucial to remember, though, that not everyone who has bipolar disorder acts violently, and the vast majority of those who do not commit homicide do not. The relationship between homicide and bipolar disorder is complicated and influenced by several variables. It is also critical to acknowledge that people with bipolar disorder frequently become the targets of violent acts. Because of their fragility, people with mental illnesses may experience more abuse. They are also frequently ostracized. Therapy for bipolar disorder can lessen the likelihood of violent conduct while also helping to manage symptoms like impulsivity and hostility (Salvi et al., 2021). Medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications are all potential treatment options. People with bipolar disorder must receive the proper care and encouragement to manage their symptoms and lower their chances of acting violently.
Bipolar disorder is therefore connected to a higher likelihood of aggressive behavior, including homicide. This connection may be explained by psychotic symptoms, concurrent substance addiction, and impaired judgment during manic episodes. Nonetheless, it is crucial to understand that not everyone with bipolar disorder has violent tendencies, and most of those with the condition do not commit homicide. Bipolar illness treatment can help manage symptoms and lower the risk of violent behavior; therefore, those with the condition must get the proper care and support.
Generally, patients with bipolar disorder are not known to be violent. However, several studies opine that most of the patients in the category are at a high risk of committing homicide on many occasions (Luciano et al., 2021). The researchers suggest that the relatively high risk of the crime is propelled by several factors agitation, delusions and even impulsivity which are normally common during different episodes of bipolar. It is worth noting that many people with the disorder (bipolar) do not like engaging in relatively violent behaviors and do not pose any critical danger to the individuals around them on many occasions. Essentially individuals with bipolar are more victims of violence than perpetrators, as others may assume; hence it is significant to avoid stigmatizing individuals the characters with fatal disorders.
The second trait: Irritability
Bipolar disorder frequently manifests as irritability, significantly lowering a person’s quality of life. A state of increased sensitivity and response to perceived unpleasant stimuli is referred to as irritability. Irritability is a sign of mixed episodes, a condition of mood instability that combines characteristics of both mania and depression, which can happen in people with bipolar illness and during manic and depressive episodes (ZenginEroglu, &Lus, 2020). People living with Bipolar disorder may get irritable during manic episodes due to the increased energy and racing thoughts in this condition. Manic episodes can increase activity levels and impulsivity, leading to irritability. People may become quickly annoyed or frustrated when they cannot keep up with their ideas and activities.
During the severe depression, irritability might result from pessimism, despair, and frustration. People with bipolar disorder may become irritable to cope with these negative emotions, or they may get quickly annoyed by their inability to complete everyday tasks or enjoy formerly enjoyable pastimes. The existence of irritability in individuals with bipolar disorder has been associated to several unfavorable outcomes, including poorer social and vocational functioning, an increased risk of substance addiction, and a decline in quality of life (Luciano et al., 2021). In some situations, irritability can lead to aggressive action, including homicide.
It is essential to diagnose and treat bipolar disorder appropriately to manage symptoms such as irritability. Treatment options may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Mood stabilizers, such as lithium and valproate, are commonly used to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, including irritability. Antidepressants may also be used to treat depressive episodes, but their use must be carefully monitored to avoid triggering manic episodes. Instead of medicine, therapy may benefit bipolar illness patients with irritability (ZenginEroglu, &Lus, 2020). IPT and CBT are effective treatments for bipolar disorder (Salvi et al., 2021). CBT addresses negative beliefs and actions, whereas IPT enhances interpersonal relationships and communication. Moderate exercise, a good diet, and stress reduction, in addition to medication and counseling, can help control bipolar illness symptoms such as irritability.
Irritability is a prevalent symptom of bipolar disease that can arise during both manic and depressed phases. The presence of irritability can have a substantial impact on an individual’s quality of life. It may result in undesirable outcomes such as reduced social and vocational functioning and an increased risk of substance misuse. The bipolar disorder must be appropriately diagnosed and treated to control symptoms such as irritability; treatment options may include medication, counseling, and lifestyle modifications.
Renowned researchers have given a clear relationship between irritability and homicide as its connection to bipolar disorder. In the analysis, as presented that irritability is a well-known symptom of the disorder (bipolar disorder) that is always experienced during mixed episodes of the disorder. It is critical to understand that irritability alone does not influence the occurrence of any violent behavior but is regarded as a primary risk factor for people suffering from bipolar. It is critical to note that at the manic episode of the disorder, people with bipolar are likely to experience high irritability, which can result in violent actions (Orui et al., 2021). Consequently, irritability can be connected to specific symptoms that intensify violent behavior risks like paranoid delusions. In summary, it is critical to note that not all people with bipolar disorder who experience irritability are likely to engage in violent behaviors amounting to homicide. Many people with the trait above are not violent can effectively manage their experienced symptoms through efficient support to medical attention.
Third trait: Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a prevalent symptom of bipolar disorder, and it refers to the tendency to act without considering the potential repercussions. Impulsivity can occur during both manic and depressive episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder, and it can majorly impact everyday functioning and quality of life (Salvi et al., 2021). Bipolar disorder patients may exhibit impulsivity during manic episodes due to their high energy and rushing thoughts. They may indulge in dangerous activities, including substance addiction, gambling, and sexual promiscuity, without contemplating the repercussions of their conduct. Those experiencing manic episodes may also incur reckless expenditures and make rash decisions with long-term effects.
Impulsivity might happen as a result of hopelessness and despair during depressive periods. Without carefully analyzing the repercussions of their acts, people with bipolar disorder may engage in self-destructive or suicidal activities (Orui et al., 2021). To overcome their unfavorable emotions, they could also indulge in impulsive actions like abusing substances or overeating. Bipolar disease sufferers who are impulsive have been related to a number of unfavorable consequences, such as a higher chance of substance addiction, unsafe sexual conduct, and a lower quality of life (Salvi et al., 2021). Moreover, impulsivity might result in legal and financial issues since people might do actions that they later regret.
To manage symptoms like impulsivity, bipolar disorder must be properly diagnosed and treated. Medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications are all potential treatment options (Lim et al., 2019). Bipolar illness symptoms, particularly impulsivity, are frequently treated with mood stabilizers like lithium and valproate. In order to prevent the onset of manic episodes, antidepressants can also be used to treat depressive episodes.
Counseling is another powerful form of treatment for bipolar disorder sufferers who struggle to control their impulsivity. Both dialectical behavior treatment (DBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have been proven to be successful in treating the symptoms of bipolar illness (Rios, 2020). While DBT focuses on enhancing emotional regulation and interpersonal interactions, CBT focuses on recognizing and altering harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
In addition to medication and counseling, impulsivity-controlling bipolar disorder symptoms can also be effectively managed by making lifestyle changes such as frequent exercise, good food, and stress management strategies. Regular physical activity, for instance, can aid in elevating mood and reducing impulsivity.
As a result, bipolar disorder frequently manifests as impulsivity, which can happen both during manic and depressed periods. Being impulsive can harm a person’s everyday functioning and quality of life, raise their risk of substance misuse, and cause them to have legal and financial issues. To control symptoms like impulsivity, it is crucial to identify and treat bipolar disorder correctly. Treatment options may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Scholars have explained a thin relationship between impulsivity as a personality trait that involves the tendency to act without keen considering the outcome of the actions and homicide with a clear connection to bipolar (Rios, 2020). It is important to note that the trait cannot lead to any violence alone, although it is regarded as an apparent risk factor that can lead to homicide in specific people. It is indicated that impulsivity is directly associated with a couple of mental health challenges, including bipolar and antisocial personality disorder. On several occasions, impulsivity can be linked to a few risk factors resulting in violent behaviors, such as the history of substance and drug abuse and exposure to trauma. In intense and high impulsivity periods, people may behave in ways that are likely to cause discomfort, leading to such behaviors as a homicide. For instance, an impulsive individual is likely to act in a violent way perceiving actions of threats and engaging in reckless behavior leading to harm or discomfort to other people. Essentially, it is significant to note that the cases of homicide through impulsive trait are controllable in case quick attention is taken.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder has been linked to violence, impatience, and impulsivity. During manic episodes, bipolar illness patients may conduct violent crimes. In essence, the crimes are dangerous in the society and the lives of individuals. Bipolar disorder can also cause irritability, which can affect daily life. Bipolar disorder can cause impulsivity during manic and depressed episodes, which can lead to substance addiction and legal and financial issues. Research on bipolar disorder and associated unfavorable effects can assist in creating better therapies and interventions. It can also raise awareness and lessen stigma, improving the quality of life for people living with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. Through raising awareness, the public can be able to treat individuals with utmost fairness to avoid cases of suicidal thoughts. The research is equally essential to scholars who want to conduct a similar study as they will use the outcome and feedback as crucial references.
This research has limitations that may affect different variables. Several studies on bipolar disease and violent behavior have been conducted on incarcerated or hospitalized persons, which may not fully represent the broader bipolar disorder community. The inaccurate outcome will then give wrong data hence misleading. Much research on bipolar disorder has concentrated on its negative rather than its positive effects with proper treatment and management. Through the focus on the adverse effects of the bipolar, the research is then considered irrational. Bipolar disorder and their unfavorable repercussions deserve further study. Research on how medicine and therapy affect symptoms like irritability and impulsivity may be helpful. Research on the benefits of bipolar disorder therapy and management might also be useful. This research can improve the lives of bipolar disorder patients and their loved ones and minimize stigma. One reason it can enhance the lives of patients and their loved ones is that it provides a clear understanding of the essential aspects of the disorder. Additionally, the research entails that symptoms are preventive measures that can be applied to better the lives of affected individuals.
References
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