Bipolar Disorder

Question 1

DEFINITION

Answer 1

Recurrent episodes of altered mood and activity involving both upswings and downswings

Question 2

TYPES

Answer 2

BIPOLAR 1
-one or more manic episodes + one or more major depressive episodes

BIPOLAR 2
-Recurrent major depressive episode + hypomanic episode

Question 3

SYMPTOMS

Answer 3

MANIA (>1 week)

• Delusions of grandoise
• Auditory hallucinations

MANIA & HYPOMANIA

• Mood (elevated/irritable)
• Speech/thought (pressured, flight of ideas, poor attention)
• Behaviour (insomnia, loss of inhibition, increased appetite)

Question 4

AETIOLOGY

Answer 4

• Genetic predisposition (10% risk in 1st relative)

- Stressful event trigger

Question 5

MANAGEMENT

Answer 5

Refer to psychiatric services
Treat any physical ailments

Treat depressive episodes same as depression
Treat manic episodes with mood stabilisers
-Lithium
-Valproate
-Carbamazepine
-Lamotrigine