Introducing
Your new presentation assistant.
Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.
Trending searches
An Educational Resource
In a blanket description, Bipolar Disorder is a condition in which those affected by it cycle through a range of emotions. These cycles are called episodes and can range from mania, hypomania, depression, etc. There can also be the presence of both an extreme low and extreme high mood at the same time. This is called a mixed state.
Unfortunately, broad terms must be used to describe this disorder due to its uniqueness to each person that it affects. As the name suggests, it is a on a diverse spectrum.
Bipolar Disorder is broken down into two categories: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Diagnosis depends on which symptoms are present. Symptoms can include mania, hypomania, and depressive episodes.
Manic episode: A period of 1+ weeks in which patient displays an ongoing abnormally elevated or irritable mood. This can include sudden boost to self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, or even an increase in disctracability.
Hypomania: Hypomania differs from mania in both intensity and duration. Typically, hypomania lasts for a shorter period of time than mania (about 4+ days).
Major depressive episode: A period of at least 2 weeks in which a patient experiences symptoms such as depressed mood, fatigue, insomnia, diminished interest, feeling of worthlessness, etc.
Unlike bipolar II, bipolar I does not require the presence of a major depressive episode
These symptoms and mood disturbances must cause significant distress or impariment
Bipolar II is different in the fact that it requires the presence of two symptoms
Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode, as well as at least one major depressive episode
It is to be noted that if the patient is hospitalized while in the irritabe state, the episode is considered manic rather than hypomanic
Bipolar disorder is a very disabling condition to those who are affected by it. The frequent irritability, depressed mood, and mixed states can make work, school, and social life very frustrating.
In 2007, a study was conducted among a group who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder They were asked about the effects that the disorder had on their lives
Patients with bipolar disorder have a very high risk of suicide, with rates of ideation and attempts ranging in 35-50% of those diagnosed.
Bipolar patients in the study were assessed using the health system suicidality risk guideline. 19% of the patients tests were conisdered high risk while 47% were at least moderate risk.
In the same study, the patients with bipolar disorder were asked about their working experience. 42% of the patients stated that their work is notable affected by their symptoms. At the same time, 50% of the patients reported having problems with home management.
There is an unfortunate amount of stigma surrounding bipolar disorder simply because most of the public do not properly understand it. Most people interpret it to just be "struggles with emotions" when in reality it is much deeper than that.
The nature of the disorder makes it difficult for those with the symptoms to even understand what is going. Those with bipolar disorder are susceptible to mixed states, where they themselves are confused as to what emotions they are feeling, causing decision making to be very difficult. A proper diagnosis helps those struggling to better understand themselves, allowing them to feel the best they can.
Treatment for bipolar disorder usually requires multiple steps. Options include medication, psychotherapeutic treatment, and proper education of symptoms.
Medication options include things such as mood stabilizers with the goal of helping reduce the effects of swaying moods and mixed states. Medications can make them more manageable to allow patients to work properly and engage in social aspects of life.
Education can help not only the patients with bipolar disorder, but their families as well. The patients themselves, with education, can better understand their emotions and be more self aware when they become too extreme. Educated family members can be a second layer of protection by being able to help their loved ones when they need it. This will also remove social stigma to those who are properly aware of the issue.
Abrams, Z. (2022, January 1). Diagnosing and treating bipolar spectrum disorders. Monitor on Psychology, 53(1). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/ce-bipolar-spectrum
Parish, A. (2019). Bipolar disorder diagnostic criteria. Oregon Health Authority. Retrieved November 23, 2022, from https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le7549b.pdf
Stang P, Frank C, Ulcickas Yood M, Wells K, Burch S. Impact of bipolar disorder: results from a screening study. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2007;9(1):42-7. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v09n0107. PMID: 17599167; PMCID: PMC1894848.