Bipolar Disorder

Question 1

‘La folie circulaire’

The cycle of madness

Answer 1

Jean-Pierre Falret

Question 2

Groundbreaking treatment for mania

Answer 2

Lithium
John Cade discovered

25-50% patients protected against further episodes

Question 3

Manic Episode

Answer 3

At least 1 week

Question 4

Hypo mania

Answer 4

Same as mania but not severe enough to interfere with daily function

Question 5

Bipolar I

Answer 5

Manic episodes

Can have major depressive episodes

Question 6

Bipolar II

Answer 6

Hypomania & major depressive episodes

NOT manic

Question 7

Rapid cycling bipolar disorder

Answer 7

4+ episodes in a year

Question 8

Cyclothymic disorder

Answer 8

Experience elevated & depressive moods

NOT severe enough to be bipolar

Question 9

Unipolar depression

Answer 9

More common than bipolar

Question 10

Bipolar disorder

Answer 10

Onset 17-25 years

Be more depressed than manic or hypomanic

Prevalence 
0.9% Australians in 12 months 
1.3% lifetime 
High comorbidity with anxiety disorders 
Strongly associated with substance misuse
15x more likely to commit suicide (80% during depressive phase)
Associated with creativity 
Twins - heritability 85%

Question 11

The following are components of which model:

• stressful life events cause disruption to routine and sleep
• manic, hypomanic or depressive episode
• poor coping strategies
• early symptoms of mood disturbance
• biological vulnerability

Answer 11

Diathesis stress model

Question 12

Treatment

Answer 12

Acute or maintenance phases - 6 mood stabilisers

Lithium 
Carbamazepine
Valproate
Olanzapine
Quetiapine
Lamotrigine