Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a psychological disorder that is characterized by episodes if depression alternating with episodes of mania.

During a depressive stage of BD, patients exhibit the symptoms of major depression. Patient with BD also display signs of mania.

Face of Bipolar Disorder

Clinical Manifestations

Depression Mania

Sleep problems Decreased need for sleep

Low or increased appetite Risky behavior

Suicidal thoughts or behavior Racing thought/Rapid speech

Fatigue Agitation or irritation

Loss of interest in personal appearance or sex

Increased physical activity/Increased sex drive

Delusions or hallucinations Euphoria/Psychosis

Lack of self-worth Inflated self-esteem

Vague physical symptoms Poor judgment

Inability to concentrate or make decisions

Careless or dangerous use of drugs or alcohol

Other Signs and Symptoms

Seasonal changes in mood Rapid cycling bipolar disorder Psychosis

Risk Factors

Having blood relatives such as a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder

Drug or alcohol abuse Major life changes (death of a loved

one) Periods of high stress

Diagnostic Testing

For a patient to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, manic symptoms must be present for at least one week.

To be diagnosed with BD, the patient must meet the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM). Diagnostic criteria for BD are based on the specific type of BD.

Other testing may include a physical exam, laboratory testing, psychological evaluation, and mood charting.

Pharmacotherapy

The traditional treatment for bipolar disorder of Lithium may be used by itself or in combination with other drugs.

Antiseizure drugs have proven effective agents in mood stabilization.

Atypical antipsychotics have also been effective as mood stabilizers.

Most Common Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities for BD

Lithium Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Valproic acid (Depakote,

Depakene) Aripiprazole (Abilify) Asenapine (Saphris) Olenzapine (Zyprexa) Quetiapine (Seroquel) Risperidone (Risperdal) Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Psychoeducation Family therapy Group therapy Transcranial magnetic

stimulation Electroconvulsive therapy

(ECT) Hospitalization

YouTube

Copy and paste the link below into your web browser to view a short YouTube video on the five types of bipolar disorder.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fyJn_3LkE8w&feature=youtu.be

Site Evaluation

This video proved to be very informative regarding bipolar disorder and the different symptoms associated with each type.

However, the video did not discuss treatment options for patients with bipolar disorder.

References

Adams, M.P., Holland, L.N., & Urban, C.Q. (2014). Pharmacology for nurses: A pathophysiologic approach (4th ed.).

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs