bipolar disorder Flashcards
are genetic factors important in the aetiology of bipolar disorder?
yes, genetic factors are very important
what kind of medications are most helpful in bipolar disorder?
medications that decrease neuron excitability
which occurs more? Depressive episodes or manic ones?
depressive episodes outnumber manic episodes and are often of more intense concern to the individual
how is bipolar depression different from unipolar depression?
Different because preferred medication approaches are very different. Bipolar disorder can’t be treated with antidepressants. Antidepressants can switch a person from a depressive episode into a manic one
is it suggested to use antidepressants to treat people with bipolar disorder?
no, because we want to avoid the flip into mania
how do we treat bipolar disorder?
acute care may involve benzodiacepines & antipsychotics. Best evidence for long-term benefit are mood stabilizers
What is the optimal long-term management for bipolar disorder?
mood stabilizer + an antipsychotic with non-pharm supports including sleep cycle management
what are some manic phase warning signs?
- mood changes - elevated/expansive, irritability, easily “spiked”
- increased energy/restlessness
- rapid/pressured speech
- impaired judgement/impulsivity
- distractible, flight of ideas
- psychotic “flavor” is possible
what is a mixed episode?
simultaneous symptoms of depression and mania
what kind of drugs can trigger mania in bipolar disorder?
- drugs that increase neurotransmitters (5HT, NE, DA)
levels of ____ are increased in post-mortem individuals
glutamate
what is the difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2?
bipolar 1 - indicates at least one severe manic episode
bipolar 2 - patients who experience less severe manic symptoms
what mood stabilizers are used in bipolar disorder?
- lithium
- anticonvulsants
- antipsychotics
- Calcium Channel Blockers
