This document provides an overview of bipolar disorder. It discusses that bipolar disorder is a type of depression disorder characterized by manic or mixed episodes alternating with depressive episodes. The document outlines the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosing bipolar disorder and theoretical perspectives on the disorder. Additionally, it addresses the burden bipolar disorder places on families and society as well as treatments that include medication and therapy.

1. Bipolar Disorder
Presentation by:
Beulaira McFadden-Watts, Desmond Noird, Hailey Ray, Abigail
Whitehead, Kabria Graham, Cedric Prince, & Lakeisha Anderson

2. About Bipolar Disorder
• Type of depression disorder
• Characterized by the occurrence of at least one manic or mixed manic
episode during the patients life time
• The patient also has one or more depressive episodes
• In between the episodes the patients return to their normal state

3. DSM IV Characteristics
• Bipolar disorder is “cyclic” or “periodic”
• Manic episodes – 4 categories
• Hypomania
• Acute Mania
• Delusional mania
• Delirious mania

4. Theoretical Perspectives
• Definition: set of assumptions about reality that underline the questions we
ask and the kinds of answers we arrive at as a result
• People misunderstand the disorder itself, which usually leads to
misinformation
• Some people see patients with bipolar disorder as dangerous, violent people

5. Burden on Society & Family
• “the family and friends of patients who have bipolar disorder carry a significant
burden called the care-giver burden” – Igor Galynker
• Family and friends can carry two types of burdens
• subjective burden
• objective burden
• Having a family member with bipolar disorder causes one to become depress
• Attending Family-focused therapy together reduces emotional burdens for the
caregivers and patients.

6. Assessment of Bipolar Disorder
• Assessment is made by taking careful note of symptoms, including their
severity, length, and frequency
• The patient’s symptoms are fully assessed using specific criteria from the
American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders or DSM-IV.
• Bipolar disorder sometimes has a genetic component, family history can be
helpful in making a diagnosis.
• Physical examination can also be done to assess this disorder

7. Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
• It is very important that treatment is closely monitored by a team of highly
skilled doctors, psychologist, as well as followed up with prescription
medication.
• A Psychologist will work with the patient individually, and become familiar
with their lifestyle, history, and emotional triggers. (cognitive behavioral
theory).
• Medications used: Anticonvulsants, Antipsychotics, and Antidepressants

8. http://youtu.be/Lj5_FhLaaQQ

9. Refrences
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American Psychiatric Association, & American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-IVTR. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
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Association, A. P. (n.d.). Bipolar Disorder (DSM-IV-TR). American Psychiatric Association.
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Bipolar disorder: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolardisorder/DS00356/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
DeAna M. Burney, P. ( 2012). Bipolar Depression. In D. ,. Burney, Psychology in Everyday Life (p. 366). University Readers, inc.
Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.
Quinonez, C. (n.d.). Cultural Assumptions About Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from eHowHealth:
http://www.ehow.com/about_5391383_cultural-assumptions-bipolar-disorder.html
WebMD - Better Information. Better Health." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.
What Is Bipolar Disorder? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.seroquelxr.com/bipolar-disorder/what-is-bipolardisorder.aspx?source=SERC18517&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=bipolar%20disorder&utm_content=About%20BP
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