Bipolar Disorder

Question 1

What is the difference between hypomania and mania?

Answer 1

Hypomania is a less severe form of mania

Question 2

Give an example of at least 5 symptoms of hypo/mania?

Answer 2

DIG FAST

Distractibility
Impulsiveness
Grandiosity

Flight of ideas
Activity increase
Sexual deviance, sleep deficit/decreased need for sleep
Talkative - very rapid speech

Question 3

What is the difference between bipolar I and II and which one is more common?

Answer 3

Bipolar II is more common

II - depression + HYPOmania
I - depression + mania

Question 4

What is more debilitating depression or mania?

Answer 4

Depression - some patients can spend roughly 50% of their time in this state

Question 5

What drug is the gold standard for long term maintenance and what must be noted about how it is taken?

Answer 5

Lithium - must be taken long term (not come on/off) taken this way it greatly reduces suicide risk

Question 6

If a patient is having a manic episode what should change with their meds?

Answer 6

Taken off antidepressants

Put on antipsychotic - olanzapine

Question 7

What is the first line treatment for depression in bipolar?

Answer 7

Antipsychotic - quetiapine

Can be used in conjunction with antidepressant

Question 8

If a patient is refusing to take medications orally during a manic episode, how can this be overcome?

Answer 8

IM drugs can be given