Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by periods of depression and elevated mood. It is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The document discusses the history, types, ages affected, facts, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and medications related to bipolar disorder.

1. BIPOLAR DISORDER
Tyrone A. Washington, Jr.
Mr. Tyner ~ Psychology

2. HISTORY
Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective
disorder (originally called manic-depressive illness), is a mental
disorder characterized by periods of elevated mood and periods of
depression. The elevated mood is significant and is known as
mania or hypomania depending on the severity or whether there is
psychosis. During mania an individual feels or acts abnormally
happy, energetic, or irritable. They often make poorly thought out
decisions with little regard to the consequences. The need for sleep
is usually reduced. During periods of depression there may be
crying, poor eye contact with others, and a negative outlook on life.
The risk of suicide among those with the disorder is high at greater
than 6% over 20 years, while self harm occurs in 30–40%.Other
mental health issues such as anxiety disorder and substance use
disorder are commonly associated.
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SOURCE: Wikipedia ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder

3. TYPES
Bipolar I disorder: At least one manic episode is necessary to
make the diagnosis
Bipolar II disorder: No manic episodes, but one or more
hypomanic episodes and one or more major depressive episode
Cyclothymia: A history of hypomanic episodes with periods of
depression that do not meet criteria for major depressive
episodes
Bipolar disorder NOS (not otherwise specified): This is a catchall
category, diagnosed when the disorder does not fall within a
specific subtype.
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SOURCE: Wikipedia ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder#Criteria_and_subtypes

4. AGES AFFECTED
0-2 Never
3-5 Very rare
6-13 Rare
14-18 Common
19-40 Very common
41-60 Very common
60+ Common
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SOURCE: Mayo Clinic ~ http://www.mayoclinic.org/

5. FACTS
Fact: Bipolar disorder is a treatable brain disorder
thatisrealandcancausealotofsuffering,especially
if it is not well managed. Individuals cannot just
snapoutofit!Recoverytakestimeandhardwork
Fact: Proper medical treatment and good support
enables most people (more than 75%) with bipolar
toworkandbesuccessful.
Fact: Bipolar disorder is a medical condition just
like diabetes or any other health condition. People
with bipolar disorder cannot “just pull themselves
together”andgetbetter.Treatmentisnecessary.
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SOURCE: Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia ~ http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/bipolar-disorder-myths-and-facts

6. CAUSES
The cause is not clearly
understood, but both
genetic and
environmental factors
play a role. Many genes
of small effect contribute
to risk. Environmental
factors include long
term stress and a history
of childhood abuse.
6SOURCE: Wikipedia ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder#Causes

7. SYMPTOMS
 Mood: loss of interest, apprehension, general
discontent, hopelessness, anger, elevated mood,
guilt, mood swings, apathy, inability to feel
pleasure, euphoria, or sadness
 Behavioral: hyperactivity, self-harm, risky
behavior, irritability, aggression, agitation, crying,
impulsivity, or excess desire for sex
 Cognitive: lack of concentration, unwanted
thoughts, false belief of superiority, delusion,
racing thoughts, or slowness in activity and
thought
 Psychological: agitated depression, paranoia,
anxiety, manic episode, or depression
 Sleep: difficulty falling asleep or excess sleepiness
 Weight: weight loss or weight gain
 Also common: rapid and frenzied speaking,
restlessness, or fatigue
7SOURCE: Mayo Clinic ~ http://www.mayoclinic.org/

8. DIAGNOSIS
Bipolar disorder often goes unrecognized and is commonly diagnosed during
adolescence or early adulthood. The disorder can be difficult to distinguish from
unipolar depression and the mean delay in diagnosis is 5–10 years after symptoms
begin. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder takes several factors into account and
considers the self-reported experiences of the symptomatic individual, behavior
abnormalities reported by family members, friends or co-workers, and
observable signs of illness as assessed by a psychiatrist, nurse, social worker,
clinical psychologist or other health professional. Assessment is usually done on
an outpatient basis; admission to an inpatient facility is considered if there is a
risk to oneself or others.
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:SOURCE: Diagnosis ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder#Diagnosis

9. TREATMENTS AND MEDICATIONS
TREATMENTS MEDICATIONS
 Therapies: Psychotherapy,
Support group, Family therapy
 Hospitalization
 Specialists
 Psychiatrist: Treats mental
disorders.
 Primary care provider
 Clinical Psychologist
 Prozac
 Topamax
 Latuda
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SOURCE: Bipolar Brain Imaging ~ www.bipolar-lives.com

10. ~~ THE END ~~
April 27, 2015
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