Bipolar Disorder Overview

Bipolar Disorder Characteristics

• Bipolar disorder involves recurring episodes of depression and mania or hypomania.
• Onset typically occurs before age 25.
• High suicide risk associated.
• Depressive episodes feature low mood, anhedonia, and low energy, potentially severe.
• Hypomanic episodes present milder manic symptoms without significant functional impact.

Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

• Diagnosis made by specialists.
• Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Types of Bipolar Disorder

• Bipolar II disorder: Includes one or more major depressive episodes and one or more hypomanic episodes.
• Cyclothymia: Milder symptoms of hypomania and low mood, not severe enough to impair function significantly.
• Unipolar depression: Episodes of depression only, no hypomania or mania.

Bipolar Disorder Management

• Acute episodes managed by secondary care specialists.
• Urgent mental health assessment or hospital admission may be required.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment (Acute Manic Episode)

• Long-term treatment: Lithium is typically the first choice.
• Lithium alternatives: Sodium valproate and olanzapine.
• Important note: Sodium valproate is teratogenic (causes birth defects).
• Strict precautions for women with childbearing potential: Effective contraception is crucial. Annual risk acknowledgement forms are required if using sodium valproate.
• Valproate Pregnancy Prevention Programme: Ensures these precautions are successfully implemented.

Advance Care Planning

• Lasting power of attorney and advanced decisions can aid in managing future episodes when judgment may be impaired.
• This can help prevent harmful outcomes.

This quiz explores the characteristics, diagnosis, types, and management of bipolar disorder. Understand the differences between Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and cyclothymia, as well as the key features of manic and depressive episodes. Test your knowledge about how bipolar disorder is diagnosed and treated.