Bipolar

Question 1

What type of disorder is bipolar?

Answer 1

An affective disorder

Question 2

What is bipolar characterized by?

Answer 2

Occurence of one or more manic/mixed episodes that cause marked impairment in social activities, occupational functioning, and relationships

Question 3

What is a manic episode?

Answer 3

Abnormal/persistent elevation, expansive or irritable mood

Question 4

What are symptoms of manic episodes?

Answer 4

Decreased need for sleep, excessive energy, hyperactivity, racing thoughts, easy distractibility, inability to focus, inflated self esteem, hypersexuality

Question 5

What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II?

Answer 5

BIPOLAR I
One or more manic or mixed episodes + one or more major depressive disorders
BIPOLAR II
(less severe) recurring major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode

Question 6

What are some treatments for bipolar?

Answer 6

Mood stabilizers (with antipsychotics or benzos)
Family therapy/individual therapy
CBT
Education
ECT

Question 7

What are some key differences in interventions for depression and mania?

Answer 7

DEPRESSION: suicide risk; offer structure; discourage napping; promote achievable activities
MANIA: encourage any sleep; limit activities and structure