Bipolar Disorder Flashcards
What is bipolar disorder?
It is a mood disorder characterized by intense and unusual shifts in mood, energy and behavior.
When does bipolar disorder usually develop?
Between 16-25
Half of all cases are before 25. Some develop it when they’re younger or older.
Why do scientists think it develops specifically around 16-25?
This is a time where the brain is maturing and developing. Abnormal maturation or imbalance of neurotransmitters can lead to bipolar disorder.
At the same time, there is no single cause. There are genetic, hereditary, environmental and developmental factors.
How long does it take to diagnose bipolar disorder?
If diagnosed promptly, 6 weeks. It can be diagnosed very quickly due to the symptoms.
However, source material says that it can vary because it can take some time to diagnose.
What is a “mood episode?”
It is a marked period of intense emotions.
Why does it sometimes take longer to diagnose bipolar?
People with BP will more often come in during depressive states than manic states. This may cause providers to diagnose with major depression and not address mania. Psychotic symptoms may also cause a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia.
In younger patients, symptoms may be misinterpreted as age-appropriate moodiness (ex. teens)
A diagnosis also relies heavily on family history and history of symptoms. Lots of care needs to be taken in assessing symptoms and mood periods.
A lot of symptoms in bipolar disorder are also shared with other disorders.
Co-occuring disorders (like anxiety) can complicate a successful diagnosis.
What are the 5 kinds of diagnoses of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar I
Bipolar II
Bipolar NOS
Cyclothymic Disorder
Rapid cycling bipolar disorder
What is Bipolar I?
Manic/mixed episodes (7+ days)
Depressive episodes (2+ weeks)
Severe manic episodes requiring hospitalization
What is Bipolar II?
Depressive episodes with hypomanic episodes
No full-blown mania
What is Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)?
Having symptoms but not fitting into category (not last long enough, not enough symptoms)
Symptoms of bipolar disorder that are clearly out of a person’s normal range of behavior, but don’t fit into other categories.
What is Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder?
When a person has 4+ episodes of major depression, hypomania, mania or mixed symptoms in a year.
Can be more frequent (day, week, month)
What illnesses often co-exist with bipolar disorder?
Substance abuse
Anxiety (PTSD, Social phobia)
What are the kinds of medications used to treat bipolar disorder?
Mood stabilizers
Atypical psychotics (2nd gen)
Antidepressants
