Aim #28 - Bipolar Disorder 1. What does the word "bipolar" mean? (break the word down)

Transcription

1 Aim #28 - Bipolar Disorder 1. What does the word "bipolar" mean? (break the word down) bi = "two" poles = "opposites" 2. How do we use the phrase "they're so bipolar" to describe people? change moods quickly unpredictable seem unstable "don't know what they want" "happy one minute, sad the next"

2 Aim #28 : Bipolar Disorder Overview: Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. The mood episodes associated with the disorder persist from days to weeks or longer, and can be dramatic, with periods of being overly high and/or irritable to periods of persistent sadness and hopelessness. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS MANIC EPISODE A manic episode is diagnosed if an elevated mood occurs with three or more primary symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least one week. Increased energy, activity, and restlessness Excessively high, overly good, euphoric mood Extreme irritability Racing thoughts and talking very fast Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers Poor judgment Increased sexual drive Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications

3 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DEPRESSIVE EPISODE A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more primary depressive symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of two weeks or longer. Lasting sad or empty mood Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex Change in appetite or unintended weight loss or gain Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down" Thoughts of death or suicide TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DISORDER Mood stabilizing medications In general, people with bipolar disorder continue treatment with mood stabilizers for years. Anticonvulsant medications are usually used to treat seizures, but they also help control moods Antidepressant medications Antidepressant are sometimes used to treat symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants often take a mood stabilizer too. Doctors usually require this because taking only an antidepressant can increase a person's risk of switching to mania or hypomania, or of developing rapid cycling symptoms. Psychotherapy In addition to medication, psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy, can be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder. It can provide support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families.

4 Overview 1. Nearly 1 out of every people with Bipolar Disorder 5 commits suicide. 2. People with Bipolar Disorder experience dramatic shifts in energy, and. thoughts 3. Is there a specific pattern in the mood changes? mood no/ cyclic 4. How do people say they feel during manic episodes? important / egotistical / out of control 5. How do people say they feel during a depressive episode? under a rock / overwhelming sadness / despair biological 6. Researchers suspect it takes a combination of, genetic, and environment factors to trigger Bipolar episodes.

5 Out of the Shadows: Chapter 5 14:20 19:00 1. When did Hart s depression/bipolar disorder seem to begin? He started to feel this way in 6th grade. 2. How did he describe the way his depression made him feel? - "blackness" - hopeless - deep sadness - like a black hole sucking you in and you can't get out 3. What did Hart do when he felt suicidal? He told his parents and they brought him to the hospital 4. How does bipolar disorder manifest itself? It's characterized by drastic mood changes.

6 Out of the Shadows: Chapter 5 14:20 19:00 5. Is bipolar disorder an inheritable disorder? Yes! It has a very strong genetic predisposition. 6. Why was it difficult to diagnose Hart s disorder? He also showed signs of ADD & he was a teenager. 7. How did Hart rationalize cutting? What reason or payoff did he say people may get from cutting? He said you feel the physical pain and not the mental pain for a little while. It masks the true emotional anguish. 8. What type of bipolar disorder does Hart have? BiPolar 2 9. What did his treatment include? - alternative school - medication - therapy