WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER

GO UNDIAGNOSED FOR MOST OF THEIR LIVES?

Maddy & Mathew

What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar is a brain disorder that affects

mood, energy, activity levels and day-to-day functions.

Bipolar disorder can affect every aspect of a person’s life, as well as other people in their lives.

Mania vs. Depression

Mania Depression

There may be a long period of feeling high or overly happy

Irritable mood, feeling jumpy or wired

Talking fast and having racing ideas

Restlessness, little sleep

Long period of feeling worried or empty

Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

Tired and slow Problems concentrating

or remembering Frequent thoughts of

death or suicide

Normal Mood Swings or Bipolar?

Regular Mood Swings Bipolar Disorder

Everyone gets ups and downs

You get over it in a few days

Doesn’t interfere with daily life

Ups and downs last longer

Higher highs and lower lows

Lose or gain energy during highs and lows

Loss of sleep Irritable mood

Diagnosis

The first step is to talk to a doctor The doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist They will then do a psychological exam People are more likely to seek help when

depressed than manic A psychiatrist will then prescribe treatment Most people don’t show symptoms until

their late teens or early twenties

Different Types of Bipolar

Bipolar I Disorder is the most drastic type, with extreme highs and extreme lows

Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by depressive episodes mixed with hypomania (less intense mania)

Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is when some one has the symptoms, but may not meet diagnostic criteria for the DSM

Treatment Options

There is no cure for bipolar disorder as of yet

Mood stabilizing medications are usually the first choice of treatment

Atypical antipsychotic medications are used to treat other symptoms, in combination with other medications

Antidepressant medications are frequently used to help lessen depression

Therapy Options

Psychotherapy (“talk” therapy) can be very helpful

Electroconvulsive therapy shocks and relaxes the patient

Sleep medication is often given

The end give us an A