BIPOLAR DISORDER | DISEASE BRIEFS
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. Understanding bipolar disorder is essential for healthcare professionals to pro- vide appropriate care and support for patients. BIPOLAR DISORDER DISEASE STATE BRIEF UNDERSTANDING BIPOLAR DISORDER • • • • • •
Increased activity, energy, or agitation
Decreased need for sleep Unusual talkativeness
Racing thoughts Distractibility
Poor decision-making, such as spending sprees, sexual indiscretions, or risky investments
•
Depressive Episode: •
Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, or hopeless • Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most activities • Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite • Insomnia or excessive sleeping • Psychomotor agitation or retardation • Fatigue or loss of energy • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt • Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that typically appears in late adolescence or early adulthood, although it can occur at any age. It is divided into several types based on the pattern and severity of mood swings: • Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by manic episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that immediate hospital care is needed. Depressive episodes also occur, typically lasting at least two weeks. • Bipolar II Disorder: Defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes characteristic of Bipolar I. • Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents), but the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode. • Other Types: Includes other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders that do not match the criteria for the above types.
Treatment for bipolar disorder is aimed at managing symptoms and preventing the recurrence of manic and depressive episodes. The primary classes of med- ications used include: 1. Mood Stabilizers: Help control manic or hypomanic episodes • Examples: Lithium, Valproate (Depakote), Lamotrigine (Lamictal), Carbamazepine (Tegretol) 2. Antipsychotic Medications: Can be used alone or in combination with mood stabilizers to treat manic episodes or mixed episodes. • Examples: Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Risperidone (Risperdal), Quetiapine (Seroquel), Aripiprazole (Abilify) 3. Antidepressants: Typically prescribed along with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic to avoid triggering a manic episode. • Examples: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Bupropion (Wellbutrin) PHARMACEUTICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER Symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary and may include: • Manic or Hypomanic Episode: • Elevated mood, euphoria, or irritability
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