Bipolar Disorder

Question 1

Bipolar

Answer 1

causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, level of activity, and ability to function

Affects - one to two percent (1-2%) of the population age 18 and older

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

. Tends to run in families

. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors.

. Stressful life events

. Bipolar Disorder has a fifteen to thirty percent (15-30%) risk for developing disorder.

Question 3

How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Medications:

Psychological Treatments

Answer 3

Several different types of Mood Stabilizers are available. Lithium,

can lead to increased mood stability and fewer hospitalizations

Question 4

Hypomania

Answer 4

a milder form of mania, but still more extreme than a regular good mood.

Question 5

Mixed Episodes

Answer 5

include symptoms of both mania and Depression at the same time. This combination of energy, agitation and Depression makes a mixed episode the most dangerous for risk of suicide.

Question 6

Rapid cycling

Answer 6

is identified when four or more mood swings or episodes occur in one year. It seems to be more common in people who have their first episode at a younger age. Rapid cycling affects more women than men.

Question 7

Four basic types of Bipolar Disorder:

Answer 7

1. I Disorder—defined by manic or mixed episodes that last at least four to seven days or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least two weeks.
2. II Disorder— defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but no full-blown manic or mixed episodes.
3. Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS)—diagnosed when symptoms of the illness exist, but do not meet diagnostic criteria for either I or II. However, the symptoms are clearly out of the person’s normal range of behavior.
4. Cyclothymic Disorder, or Cyclothymia—a mild form of the disorder. People with cyclothymia have episodes of hypomania as well as mild depression for at least two years (one in teens and children). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for any other type of disorder.