Bipolar disorder Flashcards
Bipolar disorder can present similarly to depressive disorder. True or false?
True
Definition
2 or more episodes in which the patient’s mood and activity levels are significantly disturbed.
This disturbance consisting on some occasions of hypomania/mania, and on others, depression
What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II ?
Bipolar I is more severe
- current/past full blown mania + current/past depression
Bipolar II - current/past hypomania + current/past depression
Bipolar I is more common than bipolar II. True or false?
False
Patient has NEVER met criteria for manic episode in bipolar II. True or false?
True
- only met criteria for hypomanic episode
A single episode of hypomania or mania is enough to diagnose bipolar disorder (even if the patient hasn’t been depressed yet). True or false?
True
The first episode of (hypo)mania on a background of depression has what significance?
The patient should be re-diagnosed with BIPOLAR DISORDER and not depression anymore
Classification of hypomanic episodes
Elevated/irritable mood to a degree that is definitely abnormal for the individual and this is sustained for at least 4 consecutive days.
A patient who is hypomanic will have psychotic symptoms. True or false?
False
Classification of hypomanic episodes - signs
At least 3 of the following should be present:
- increased activity or physical restlessness
- increased talkativeness
- difficulty in concentration or distractibility
- decreased need for sleep
- increased sexual energy
- mild spending sprees, or other types of reckless or irresponsible behaviour
Classification of manic episodes
Mood must be predominantly elevated, expansive or irritable, and definitely abnormal for the individual. The mood change must be prominent and sustained for at least 1 week.
Presence of psychotic symptoms
Classification of manic episodes - signs
At least 3 of the following signs:
- increased activity or physical restlessness
- V increased talkativeness (pressure of speech)
- Flight of ideas (racing thoughts)
- Loss of normal social inhibitions resulting in inappropriate behaviour
- decreased need for sleep
- inflated self esteem or grandiosity
- distractibility or constant changes in activity or plans
- reckless behaviour where the subject doesn’t recognise the risks
- marked sexual energy
Hypomania vs mania
Hypomania is clinically similar but not as severe as mania.
Manic episodes cause more impairment in function.
Manic episodes have psychotic symptoms.
Behaviour is more reckless in manic episodes.
Onset
Usually late teens - early 20s
Family history of bipolar disorder often results in earlier onset. true or false?
True