Chapter 6 - Bipolar disorder

Question 1

Bipolar disorder

Answer 1

Mood disorder marked by manic/hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes (previously called manic-depression)

Question 2

Lithium carbonate

Answer 2

Drug classified as a mood stabiliser that is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Question 3

Manic episode

Answer 3

State of persistently elevated or irritable mood and abnormally increased goal-directed activity accompanied by symptoms such as inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, pressured speech and impulsive, self-destructive behaviours.

Question 4

Grandiosity

Answer 4

Inflated beliefs about one’s worth, power, knowledge, ability or identity; when extreme, may constitute a grandiose delusion.

Question 5

Bipolar I disorder

Answer 5

Form of bipolar disorder characterised by manic episodes; major depressive episodes often occur but are not necessary for the diagnosis.

Question 6

Bipolar II disorder

Answer 6

Form of bipolar disorder characterised by hypomanic and major depressive episodes.

Question 7

Rapid cycling bipolar disorder

Answer 7

Diagnosis given when an individual has four or more bipolar episodes (mania or depression) within a single year.

Question 8

Cyclothymic disorder

Answer 8

Milder but more chronic form of bipolar disorder.

Question 9

Hypomanic episode

Answer 9

Less severe form of manic episodes that is an essential feature of bipolar II disorder.

Question 10

Amphetamines

Answer 10

Stimulant drugs that can produce symptoms of euphoria, self-confidence, alertness, agitation, paranoia, perceptual illusions and depression.

Question 11

Motivational interviewing

Answer 11

A counselling strategy, originally used in the addiction area, that encourages clients to think about both the positives and the negatives of a particular behaviour.

Question 12

Diathesis-stress model

Answer 12

Originally developed in the context of schizophrenia, the view that abnormality is caused by the combination of a vulnerability or predisposition (the diathesis) and life events (the stressor)

Question 13

Circadian system

Answer 13

A part of the nervous system adapted to coordinate the system’s interaction with the light-dark cycle and ensure optimal timing of internal physiological processes.

Question 14

Goal dysregulation model

Answer 14

Theory that manic episodes may be triggered by dysregulated goal pursuit, which entails the person being excessively involved in the pursuit of goals.

Question 15

Temperament

Answer 15

Personality traits believed to be genetically based.

Question 16

Mood stabilisers

Answer 16

Group of drugs including lithium and anticonvulsants that are used to treat psychological disorders characterised by unstable mood (such as bipolar disorder).

Question 17

Psychoeducation

Answer 17

Treatment technique that entails providing the client with information regarding the nature, causes, effects and treatment of his/her psychological problem.

Question 18

Self-efficacy

Answer 18

Person’s belief that s/he has the ability to succeed in a specific situation.