Module 15: Bipolar Disorders

Question 1

Bipolar I

Answer 1

+ at least 1 manic episode (elation and euphoria)
+ first ep usually MDE
+ The diagnosis is “Bipolar I disorder, with psychoticn features” if the psychotic symptoms have occurred EXCLUSIVELY during manic and major depressive
episodes

Question 2

What should children be judged according to in order to determine whether they have bipolar disorder?

Answer 2

children should be judged according to his or her own baseline in determining whether a particular behavior is normal or evidence of manic episode

Question 3

What is the first episode in a bipolar disorder most likely to be?

Answer 3

first ep usually MDE

Question 4

What are the factors that should be considered in diagnosing bipolar disorder?

Answer 4

factors that should be considered: family history, onset, medical history, presence of psychotic symptoms, history of lack of response to antidepressant treatment or the emergence of manic episode during antidepressant treatment

Question 5

Onset of Bipolar Disorder I

Answer 5

Symptoms of mania in BP1 occur in distinct episodes and typically begin in late adolescence or early adulthood

Question 6

How can one identify if a child has mania?

Answer 6

When any child is being assessed for Mania, it is essential that the symptoms represent clear change from the child’s typical behavior

Question 7

When can additional diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder 1 be made?

Answer 7

Symptoms of mood lability and impulsivity must represent a distinct episode of illness, or there must be a noticeable increase in these symptoms over the individual’s baseline in order to justify an additional diagnosis of BP1

Question 8

What characteristics do young people who meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for BP show?

Answer 8

+ Young people who meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for BP display significant impairment in functioning, including previous hospitalization, MDD, treatment with medications, and co-occurring disruptive behavior and anxiety disorder
+ Youths may show irritability and rage or silly, giddy, overexcited, overly talkative behavior

Question 9

Manic Episodes

Answer 9

generally shorter than MDE, lasting from 4-6 months if left untreated

Question 10

What are the disorders that are most likely to be comorbid with Bipolar 1

Answer 10

most frequently comorbid disorders are anxiety disorders, alcohol use disorder, other substance disorders, and ADHD