Bipolar Disorder Flashcards
What is bipolar disorder?
aka manic-depressive illness, brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and ability to carry out ADLs
When does bipolar disorder usually develop
in late teens/early adult yrs
~50% before 25 y/o
Sxs of bipolar disorder
unusually intense emotional states “mood episodes”
Manic episode
overly joyful
“a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood and abnormally increased activity or energy lasting at least 1 wk and lasting most of the day”
Mixed state
mood episode with sxs of both mania and depression
sxs may include: agitation, trouble sleeping, major changes in appetite, SI. May feel very sad and hopeless but extremely energized
Do pts with bipolar disorder have hallucinations/delusions?
they can, varies with pt’s extreme mood
Bipolar I Disorder
manic/mixed episodes lasting at least 7 days or manic sxs so severe that requires hospital care
pt usually also has depressive episodes `
Bipolar II Disorder
pattern of depressive episodes shifting back and forth with hypomanic episodes
Cyclothymic disorder or Cyclothymia
mild form of bipolar disorder. Episodes of hypomania that shift back and forth with mild depression lasting at least 2 yrs
Rapid cycling bipolar disorder
pt has 4 or more episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania or mixed sxs within 1 yr
Tx of bipolar disorder
Mood stabilizing meds: Lithium, Valproic acid or Divalproex Sodium, Lamictal
Atypical antipsychotic meds
Antidepressent medications
psychotherapy
Other: electroconvulsive therapy
FDA warning for Valproic acid, Iamotrigine and other anticonvulsant meds
may increase risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
What needs to be monitored in a pt taking Lithium?
renal and thyroid function
Characteristics of bipolar disorder during mood disturbance
- inflated self esteem
- decreased need for sleep
- more talkative than usual
- flight of ideas
- distractibility
- increased in goal directed activity or psychomotor agitation
- excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (buying sprees, sexual indiscretions)
What is a hypomanic episode?
“a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood and abnormally increased activity or energy, lasting at least 4 consecutive days”
