Bipolar Disorder Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bipolar Disorder - Research Proposal Example You vascilitate backwards and forwards between being totally elated and totally gloomy, and between such periods you feel more stable.† (2008). â€Å"Imbalance in the brain biochemicals called neurotransmitters, which convey messages between the nerves, also appears to play a major role. Too many or too few neurotransmitters are believed to cause alterations in mood.† (2006). Mayo Clinic (2008) points out that â€Å"a variety of biochemical, genetic and environmental factors seem to be involved in causing and triggering bipolar episodes.† Mind.Org.UK points out the following possible causes: â€Å"Stress is likely to play a large part, and the role of cortisol on the developing brain is being researched. Prenatal stresses on the developing foetus are seen as important, both environmentally and nutritionally, as well as the impact of the mother’s mental and physical health on the foetus† (1995-2006). But this disease provokes â€Å"unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function, (†¦) can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide† (NIMH, 2008). NIMH remarks the following about the bipolar disorder: â€Å"Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful behaviors, destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often erodes the desire and will to live. It is an illness that is biological in its origins, yet one that feels psychological in the experience of it; an illness that is unique in conferring advantage and pleasure, yet one that brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and, not infrequently, suicide.† (2008) â€Å"Psychotic features (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) may be present in manic, mixed or depressive episodes and tend to relate to the mood. For example, during manic episodes, patients may believe they are invulnerable to physical harm and, during major depressive episodes, patients may believe they are guilty of a great crime or sin.

Why it is important for you to develop the philosophical mindset Essay

Why it is important for you to develop the philosophical mindset - Essay Example This is because those with the philosophical mindset not only evaluate claims, but arguments given to support claims. In this sense, philosophy has practical value for our everyday life. Many perceive philosophy as only having direct application within the university, where students contemplate the thoughts of long-dead intellectuals. But given the necessity of critical thinking and rational skepticism in all areas of life, including business, science, and politics, it seems philosophy is directly applicable to almost any kind of situation. Developing a philosophical mindset, however, is not limited to simply studying and doing well in philosophy courses. Rather, it is a matter of cultivating a general approach to life. Necessary to this general approach to life is having reasons (or empirical evidence) to support one’s knowledge and beliefs. To hold basic assumptions or opinions without evidence or without thought is the easiest way to base a life on