Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD)

Question 1

What is BPAD?

Answer 1

Chronic mental health disorder characterised by periods of mania/hypomania alongside episodes of depression

Question 2

What is the difference between type I BPAD and type II?

Answer 2

Type I involves episodes of mania and depression, type II involves episodes of hypomania and depression

Question 3

1) What is the difference between mania and hypomania?
2) Does delusions of grandeur or auditory hallucinations suggest mania or hypomania?

Answer 3

1) Mania = severe functional impairment or psychotic symptoms for 7 days or more, whereas hypomania = decreased or increased function for 4 days or more
2) Mania

Question 4

Name a trigger for manic episodes

Answer 4

• Stressful life events
• Physical illness
• Illicit substance misuse

Question 5

Name 2 symptoms of/associated with mania

Answer 5

• Elevated self-esteem
• Reduced need for sleep
• Increased rate of speech
• Flight of ideas
• Easily distracted
• An increased interest in goals or activities
• Increased pursuit of activities with a high risk of danger

Question 6

1) What is the mood stabliser of choice?
2) What is the second line mood stabliser?
3) Name a group of drugs that can be used if the above 2 don’t work
4) What else should be included in the long term management of BPAD?

Answer 6

1) Lithium
2) Valproate
3) Antipsychotics or anticonvulsants
4) High intensity psychological therapy targeted to BPAD