Genetic Information and Treating Bipolar Disorders

Please write at least a one page essay based on only one of the questions from Section I below and at least one page based on one of the questions from Section II below for a total of a two page paper.
SECTION I: Kay Redfield Jamison’s An Unquiet Mind
1. What DSM 5 diagnosis would apply for the illness experienced by Jamison (with any specifiers)? Does a personality style or personality disorder characterize Jamison? Why or why not? Were psychotic symptoms part of the illness? Justify your choice of diagnosis.
2. How did Jamison’s illness affect family and personal relationships, and her job and creativity? Were there positive aspects as well as negative aspects to her illness?
3. To what extend did family environment impact the development of bi-polar disorder and to what extent did genetics influence the development of the disorder for Jamison? Explain.
4. According to the author, can we talk about mental illness without it being stigmatizing? Explain. (pages 179-184) What issues did the author face in disclosing her illness to others?
5. Why does Jamison write almost exclusively on her manic (high) episodes, but says virtually nothing about her depressive (low) episodes?
6. How did Jamison avert suicide? Dis the process involve luck or inner resources in preventing suicide?
7. According to the author, is genetic information on bipolar disorders a relief or a burden? Explain. (pages 185-193)
8. Given the ravages of manic-depressive illness, does the author provide a credible argument for valuing aspects of the disorder? (pages 210-219)
SECTION II: Kay Redfield Jamison; Steinkuller, A. & Rheineck, J.E. (2009)
1. What medication issues emerged for the author in treating her bipolar illness? Why was it so difficult for her to take medications?
2. What factors were most important in the author’s recovery from bipolar illness? Why?
3. Steinkuller and Rheineck (2009) suggest four evidence-based psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorders. Briefly summarize and explain any two of the four interventions.
4. What transference issues emerged in Jamison’s relationship with therapists and physicians? (pages 83-88) How did Jamison view her therapist(s) or authority figures?
5. What counter-transference issues were important in her relationships with her patients? Explain? Also, what were some pros and cons of Jamison’s occupation of clinical psychologist in coping with her illness? Is Jamison a better therapist because of her illness?
6. What steps did Jamison take to protect her clients from her illness? In your opinion, were these steps sufficient?
7. Identify three symptoms that characterized Jamison’s bi-polar disorder. Which symptom was most upsetting to her?
8. What strengths did Jamison manifest? What strengths should be emphasized in the recovery process?
to the writer:
For the reading- Jamison, K.R. (1995) An Unquiet Mind. New York: Vintage Book.
Read only pages 3-8; 67-123; & 179-219.