Bipolar Disorders

Question 1

symptoms of a manic episode

Answer 1

• 1 week + (unless hospitalized)
• elevated or irritable mood and increased activity/energy
• 3-4 somatic symptoms (3 if elevated, 4 if irritable)
• marked impairment or hospitalization

Question 2

somatic symptoms of manic/hypomanic episodes

Answer 2

• inflated self-esteem/grandiosity
• decreased need for sleep
• talkativeness/pressured speech
• flight of ideas/racing thoughts
• distractibility
• increased activity level
• excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have negative consequences

Question 3

symptoms of a hypomanic episode

Answer 3

• 4 days +
• elevated or irritable mood and increased activity/energy
• 3-4 somatic symptoms (3 if elevated, 4 if irritable)
• no marked impairment, hospitalization, or psychotic symptoms
• unequivocal change in functioning
• change is clearly observable by others

Question 4

common involvements in pleasurable yet dangerous activities

Answer 4

• sexual activity
• drug use
• excessive spending

Question 5

bipolar I

Answer 5

at least one manic episode

Question 6

bipolar II

Answer 6

• at least one hypomanic episode & at least one major depressive episode
• no history of manic episodes

Question 7

cyclothymia

Answer 7

chronic version of bipolar II, lasting 2 years or more

Question 8

biological factors

Answer 8

• abnormalities in serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamate

- genetic predisposition

Question 9

psychological factors

Answer 9

depressive behavioral and cognitive distortions

Question 10

social factors

Answer 10

• family related stress

- general social stressors

Question 11

treatment

Answer 11

• mood stabilizers
• anti-seizure medication
• antidepressants may accompany mood stabilizers but are not prescribed alone
• therapy

Question 12

lithium

Answer 12

mood stabilizer that prevents future mood swings and does the best job of eliminating suicidality, but has serious side effects including vomiting, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, blurred vision, and ringing in ears

Question 13

rapid cycling

Answer 13

having four or more mood episodes (of any type) within 1 year, leading to difficulty in finding effective treatment

Question 14

expansive mood

Answer 14

involves unceasing, indiscriminate enthusiasm for interpersonal or sexual interactions or for projects

Question 15

flight of ideas

Answer 15

thoughts that race faster than they can be said