BIPOLAR DISORDER

Tyrone A. Washington, Jr. Mr. Tyner ~ Psychology

HISTORY

Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective

disorder (originally called manic-depressive illness), is a mental

disorder characterized by periods of elevated mood and periods of

depression. The elevated mood is significant and is known as

mania or hypomania depending on the severity or whether there is

psychosis. During mania an individual feels or acts abnormally

happy, energetic, or irritable. They often make poorly thought out

decisions with little regard to the consequences. The need for sleep

is usually reduced. During periods of depression there may be

crying, poor eye contact with others, and a negative outlook on life.

The risk of suicide among those with the disorder is high at greater

than 6% over 20 years, while self harm occurs in 30–40%.Other

mental health issues such as anxiety disorder and substance use

disorder are commonly associated.

2 SOURCE: Wikipedia ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder

TYPES

Bipolar I disorder: At least one manic episode is necessary to

make the diagnosis

Bipolar II disorder: No manic episodes, but one or more

hypomanic episodes and one or more major depressive episode

Cyclothymia: A history of hypomanic episodes with periods of

depression that do not meet criteria for major depressive

episodes

Bipolar disorder NOS (not otherwise specified): This is a catchall

category, diagnosed when the disorder does not fall within a

specific subtype.

3 SOURCE: Wikipedia ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder#Criteria_and_subtypes

AGES AFFECTED

0-2 Never

3-5 Very rare

6-13 Rare

14-18 Common

19-40 Very common

41-60 Very common

60+ Common

4 SOURCE: Mayo Clinic ~ http://www.mayoclinic.org/

FACTS

Fact: Bipolar disorder is a treatable brain disorder

that is real and can cause a lot of suffering, especially

if it is not well managed. Individuals cannot just

snap out of it! Recovery takes time and hard work

Fact: Proper medical treatment and good support

enables most people (more than 75%) with bipolar

to work and be successful.

Fact: Bipolar disorder is a medical condition just

like diabetes or any other health condition. People

with bipolar disorder cannot “just pull themselves

together” and get better. Treatment is necessary.

5 SOURCE: Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia ~ http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/bipolar-disorder-myths-and-facts

CAUSES

The cause is not clearly understood, but both

genetic and environmental factors

play a role. Many genes of small effect contribute to risk. Environmental

factors include long term stress and a history

of childhood abuse.

6 SOURCE: Wikipedia ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder#Causes

SYMPTOMS Mood: loss of interest, apprehension, general

discontent, hopelessness, anger, elevated mood,

guilt, mood swings, apathy, inability to feel

pleasure, euphoria, or sadness

Behavioral: hyperactivity, self-harm, risky

behavior, irritability, aggression, agitation, crying,

impulsivity, or excess desire for sex

Cognitive: lack of concentration, unwanted

thoughts, false belief of superiority, delusion,

racing thoughts, or slowness in activity and

thought

Psychological: agitated depression, paranoia,

anxiety, manic episode, or depression

Sleep: difficulty falling asleep or excess sleepiness

Weight: weight loss or weight gain

Also common: rapid and frenzied speaking,

restlessness, or fatigue

7 SOURCE: Mayo Clinic ~ http://www.mayoclinic.org/

DIAGNOSIS

Bipolar disorder often goes unrecognized and is commonly diagnosed during

adolescence or early adulthood. The disorder can be difficult to distinguish from

unipolar depression and the mean delay in diagnosis is 5–10 years after symptoms

begin. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder takes several factors into account and

considers the self-reported experiences of the symptomatic individual, behavior

abnormalities reported by family members, friends or co-workers, and

observable signs of illness as assessed by a psychiatrist, nurse, social worker,

clinical psychologist or other health professional. Assessment is usually done on

an outpatient basis; admission to an inpatient facility is considered if there is a

risk to oneself or others.

8 :SOURCE: Diagnosis ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder#Diagnosis

TREATMENTS AND MEDICATIONS

TREATMENTS MEDICATIONS

Therapies: Psychotherapy,

Support group, Family therapy

Hospitalization

Specialists

Psychiatrist: Treats mental

disorders.

Primary care provider

Clinical Psychologist

Prozac

Topamax

Latuda

9

SOURCE: Bipolar Brain Imaging ~ www.bipolar-lives.com

~~ THE END ~~

April 27, 2015 10