bipolar disorder in practice Flashcards
What is bipolar disorder?
a chronic relapsing and remitting disorder
abnormally elevated mood/irritability alternates with depresssed mood
What is bipolar affective disorder associated with?
poor physical health
physical health check for BP
annually
weight/BMI diet nutritional status level of physical activity CV status (pulse, BP) metabolic status (fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, prolactin, blood lipid profile, liver fxn) if Rx Li - renal fxn, TFTs, Ca levels
suspected BPAD (bipolar affetive disorder)
referred to specialist mental health services
choice of drug depends on what factors
age s/e interactions and cautions child bearing potential previous Hx medical comorbidities individial prefernences
treatment for acute mania/hypomania
withdraw any antidepressants/stimulants
if not Rx any antipsychotics/mood stabilisers start
- haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone
- poorly tol/inieffective alternative
- not sufficient add lithium or valporate (Li not suitable)
taking Li
- check plasma levels
- consider adding antipsychotic
severe agitation
- ST BDZs
psychotherapy
When to discuss LT Tx after acute tx for mania?
within 4 weeks of resolution of symptoms
can continue tx for 3-6mths then review
drugs NOT recommended for mania
antidepressants (induce mania) lamotrigine gabapentin topiramate carbamazepine + antipsychotics metabolised by CYP3A4 (interaction)
treatment of bipolar depression
psychological
antidepressant monotherapy NOT recommended
- fluoxetine + olanzapine
- atypical antipsychotic
- lamotrigine (no response)
What to avoid for tx of bipolar depression?
antidepressant monotherapy
TCAs
venlafaxine
LT bipolar management
1st line
- Lithium
- valporate
- olanzapine
2nd line
- lamotrigine (adjunct)
- carbamazepine
When to start LT management for bipolar?
- after manic episode with significant risk
- 2+ acute episodes bipolar 1 disorder
- significant functional impairment/suicide risk
How long is LT treatment continued for?
at leat 2yrs after episode
reduce gradually on withdrawal
How to Rx lithium?
by brand
how long to see efficacy of lithium
at least 6mths
therapeutic effects of lithium
acute mania
prophylactic agent for mania and depression
antidepressant properties
therapeutic effects of lithium
acute mania
prophylactic agent for mania and depression
antidepressant properties
What is lithium 1st line for?
LT pharmacological tx to prevent relapse
when to monitor other things on lithium
at least every 6mths during treatment
more frequently at start
monitoring for lithium
serum electrolytes (Na) eGFR (declines, levels inc, toxicity) body weight/BMI/waist circumference lipids thyroid function calcium levels FBC/ECG on initiation