Bipolar Disorders

Question 1

What is bipolar disorder marked by?

Answer 1

Bipolar disorder is marked by shifts in mood, energy and ability to function

Question 2

What are the different types of bipolar disorder?

Answer 2

• bipolar I disorder
• bipolar II disorder
• cyclothymic disorder
• schizoaffective disorder

Question 3

what is the difference between manic and psychosis?

Answer 3

• Manic episodes cause euphoria, increased energy and activity, and lack of sleep.
• Psychotic episodes may occur during depression or mania and can cause a person to become delusional or to hallucinate.

Question 4

define bipolar I disorder

Answer 4

• At least one episode of mania
• Psychosis may be present in mania

Question 5

Define bipolar II disorder

Answer 5

• Hypomania (not as severe as mania)
• No psychosis

Question 6

Define cyclothymic disorder

Answer 6

Minor episodes of depression and hypomania w/ irritability

Question 7

Define schizoaffective disorder

Answer 7

Depression, mania, mixed w/ neg and pos symptoms of schizophrenia

Question 8

What is the DIG FAST mnemonic for bipolar?

Answer 8

D: distractibility

I: Insomnia

G: Grandiosity (or inflated self-esteem)

F: Flight of ideas (or racing/crowded thoughts)

A: activities (increased goal directed activities)

S: speech (pressured)

T: thoughtlessness (impulsivity)

Question 9

What are some characteristics of a manic patient? (10)

Answer 9

• Manipulative
• Demanding
• Splitting
• Elevated mood
• High energy
• Decreased need to sleep
• Increased sex drive
• Impulsive behaviour
• Pressured speech
• Irritable and sarcastic mood

Question 10

Define splitting

Answer 10

psychological mechanism which allows the person to tolerate difficult and overwhelming emotions by seeing someone as either good or bad, idealised or devalued

Question 11

What are the treatment options for mania and psychosis?

Answer 11

• lithium carbonate (antimanic agent)
• anticonvulsants
• atypical antipsychotics
• ECT
• CBT