Bipolar Disorder Flashcards
What is bipolar disorder?
It is a chronic mental health condition characterised by periods of mania/hypomania alongside episodes of depression
What is the clinical definition of bipolar disorder?
It is clinically defined as more than two episodes of depression and hypomania/mania
How many mania episodes are required to diagnose bipolar disorder? Why?
A single episode of mania is sufficient
This is due to the fact that mania is rarely proceeded by a depressive episode
What is mania?
It is defined as an abnormally elevated mood or irritability, in which there is severe functional impairment or psychotic features for 7 days or more
What is hypomania?
It is defined as an abnormally elevated mood or irritability, in which there is decreased or increased function for four days or more
What are the two classifications of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder I
Bipolar disorder II
What is the most common classsification of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder I
What is bipolar disorder I?
It is characterised by mania episodes alongside depression
What is bipolar disorder II?
It is characterised by hypomania episodes alongside depression
What is the most appropriate next step in cases where individuals present to primary care with features suggestive of hypomania?
It is recommended that a routine referral to the community mental health team (CMHT) is conducted
What is the most appropriate next step in cases where individuals present to primary care with features suggestive of mania or severe depression?
It is recommended that an urgent referral to the community mental health team (CMHT) is conducted
What is the management of hypomania/mania episodes in bipolar disorder?
We stop any antidepressants the individual is on and start antipsychotic therapy
What is the management option of depression episodes in bipolar disorder?
We refer individuals to psychological interventions and administer antidepressants
What are the two chronic management options of bipolar disorder?
Mood stabiliser
Psychological intervention
What is the first line mood stabiliser in bipolar disorder?
Lithium
