For Dr. Witz Only Discussion Question 1

For Dr Witz Onlydicussion Question 1for This Discussion Refer To The

For this discussion, refer to the information in the “Introduction to the Miller Family document .†Lucy Miller is a 20-year-old college student who has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Sarah Miller, her mother, recalls that as a teen, Lucy would get very talkative at night and couldn’t go to sleep. Sarah also recalled that Lucy was kicked off the cheerleading squad when her GPA fell below 3.0, and that during this time, Lucy’s friends were being mean to her. When this occurred, Lucy was “really down†for a couple of months. She didn’t want to talk to a counselor and she told her mother Sarah that she would be fine.

Lucy blamed the entire situation on the issues with the girls in her class. However, coping with the mood swings became increasingly difficult for her. Lucy began experimenting casually with illegal drugs and found that they helped. Unfortunately, she kept getting them from friends at school and has now become addicted to them. Examine the potential biological basis for Lucy’s psychological disorder.

What, if anything, in her family history might point to this issue being hereditary? Be sure to apply basic medical terminology where appropriate. Consider the biases that are often held regarding mental illness. How much volition is involved in mental illness? How much is related to environment and genetics?

Do we think about mental illness differently when we know the person well versus if the person is a stranger (e.g., a homeless individual or a panhandler on the street)? Analyze the impact that our stage of lifespan development has on how we think of our own mental health and the mental health of others. What impact does it have on our associated behaviors and the long-term outcomes associated with the disorder?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The case of Lucy Miller, a young woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder, highlights the complex interplay between biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors contributing to mental health conditions. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is characterized by oscillations between manic episodes—marked by excessive energy, talkativeness, and impulsivity—and depressive episodes, where feelings of sadness and hopelessness predominate. Understanding the biological basis of this disorder and the hereditary influences involved is crucial for developing effective interventions and reducing stigma associated with mental illness.

Biological Basis of Bipolar Disorder

Research suggests that bipolar disorder has a strong biological component, involving dysregulation within brain circuits and neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (Malhi & Rushe, 2019). Structural neuroimaging studies have shown differences in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala—areas involved in emotional regulation—among individuals with bipolar disorder (Unschuld et al., 2014). These neurobiological alterations may predispose individuals to mood dysregulation, especially when interacting with genetic and environmental factors.

Genetically, bipolar disorder exhibits high heritability, with estimates ranging from 60% to 80% (McGuffin et al., 2018). Family studies reveal that first-degree relatives of affected individuals have a significantly increased risk. The identification of specific genetic markers, such as variations in the CACNA1C gene involved in calcium channel functioning, underscores the biological basis of the disorder (Bhat et al., 2018).

Neurochemical imbalances, especially in monoaminergic pathways, are implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder, contributing to episodes of mood elevation and depression. The influence of biological factors is supported by the efficacy of pharmacological treatments such as mood stabilizers (lithium) and atypical antipsychotics, which modulate neurotransmitter activity, emphasizing the biological roots of the disorder.

Hereditary Factors and Family History

Family history plays a critical role in the risk of developing bipolar disorder. Lucy’s mother, Sarah Miller, recalls mood swings and depressive episodes during Lucy’s adolescence, which suggests a genetic predisposition. Bipolar disorder’s high heritability indicates that genetic factors significantly influence susceptibility, although inheritance patterns are complex and involve multiple genes (Lichtenstein et al., 2010).

Studies indicate that first-degree relatives of bipolar patients have a 10-fold increased risk compared to the general population (McGuffin et al., 2018). Several genetic loci have been associated with bipolar disorder, including genes related to neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. As such, Lucy’s familial history suggests that her condition likely involves genetic vulnerability that interacts with environmental factors, such as stressors or substance use.

Biases Toward Mental Illness and the Role of Volition

Societal biases often perceive mental illness as a personal weakness or lack of willpower. This misconception can hinder individuals from seeking help and perpetuates stigma. However, mental disorders like bipolar disorder have a substantial biological component, reducing the blame placed on individuals. Understanding the genetic and neurobiological underpinnings emphasizes that mental illness is often beyond personal volition (Corrigan, 2016).

The stigma is further reinforced by misconceptions that mental illness is solely caused by environmental factors or poor character. Recognizing the biological and genetic influences, while acknowledging environmental triggers—such as stress or substance use—provides a more nuanced understanding. This perspective fosters compassion and encourages supportive interventions rather than judgment.

Influence of Social Perception Based on Familiarity

Our perceptions of mental illness are often shaped by the degree of familiarity with the individual. When we know someone personally, like Lucy, we tend to perceive their struggles as legitimate health issues rather than moral failures. Conversely, strangers, such as homeless individuals or panhandlers, are often viewed through the lens of stereotype and bias, which can reinforce stigma and reduce empathy.

This differential perception impacts how society responds—for example, providing support and intervention versus neglect or criminalization. Personal relationships foster understanding and reduce stigma, highlighting the importance of humanizing those with mental health conditions.

Developmental Stage and Mental Health Perception

The stage of lifespan development influences how individuals perceive and manage mental health. Young adults like Lucy often face identity exploration and peer influences, which can exacerbate mental health issues or delay help-seeking (Arnett, 2014). Adolescence and early adulthood are critical periods where mental health disorders typically emerge, and early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes (Kessler et al., 2007).

In contrast, older adults may have more life experience and resilience but also face stigma or resignation regarding mental health issues. The developmental stage affects the associated behaviors—such as experimentation with drugs in youth—and determines the long-term prognosis of disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment during sensitive developmental windows can mitigate adverse outcomes and foster recovery.

Conclusion

Lucy Miller's case exemplifies the complex biological, genetic, and environmental factors contributing to bipolar disorder. Recognizing the biological basis and hereditary influences reduces stigma and promotes understanding. Lifespan development stages influence perceptions and behaviors related to mental health, emphasizing the need for early intervention and comprehensive support systems. An informed and compassionate approach is essential for effective management and destigmatization of mental health issues.

References

• Bhat, S., et al. (2018). Genetic insights into bipolar disorder. Nature Reviews Genetics, 19(2), 54-66.
• Corrigan, P. (2016). Principles and practice of mental health stigma reduction. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(9), 709-715.
• Kessler, R. C., et al. (2007). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-603.
• Lichtenstein, P., et al. (2010). Common genetic factors influence bipolar disorder and major depression. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(10), 1175-1184.
• Malhi, G. S., & Rushe, J. (2019). Bipolar disorder: Neurobiology, diagnosis, and pharmacology. The Lancet, 393(10186), 2834-2846.
• McGuffin, P., et al. (2018). The genetics of bipolar disorder: A review. Molecular Psychiatry, 23(8), 1487-1494.
• Unschuld, P. G., et al. (2014). Neuroimaging of bipolar disorder: An update. Current Psychiatry Reports, 16(9), 481.