BIPOLAR DISORDER

Research ProjectHM280 Stephanie Alvarez

What is Bipolar Disorder? A medical disorder that impairs the

brains ability to maintain a calm and steady mood..

Unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and ability to carry out daily activities

Moods fluctuate, depending on which type of bipolar disorder that person suffers from.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are 5 different types of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder I & II, Rapid Cycling, Mixed Bipolar, and Cyclothymia disorder.

Bipolar I- Manic depression disorder. Periods of severe mood episodes from mania to

depression.

Bipolar II- Milder form of mood episodes of hypomania.

Rapid Cycling- Pattern of frequent mood episodes. Mixed Bipolar- simultaneously experience manic

and depression episodes.

Cyclothymia Disorder- episodes of hypomania with brief periods of depression.

Do not last long how they would in full blown bipolar disorder.

Different Emotions Experienced Explosiveness and irritability, anger, periods of

extreme sadness and low energy that they cannot easily control (depression).

Continued’

Emotions & Moods Cont’ Elation- great happiness. Extreme sadness and low energy (not easily

controlled) Mood shifts happen abruptly Can persist for weeks, months, and years. Mania- An abnormally elevated mood state.

Inappropriate elation, increased irritability, severe insomnia, increased speed and volume of their speech.

Hypomania- less severe. Fluctuating moods, decreased need for sleep, racing

thoughts. Does not impair someone from work, family, or social

life. People displaying hypomania symptoms tend to be

unusually cheerful.

Symptoms of Bipolar at school Impaired abilities such as planning,

organization, concentration, and abstract reasoning.

More hostile, and defiant. Can be reluctant, loss of interest,

disconnected. These symptoms are usually the only

ones children will experience.

Symptoms of Bipolar at Work Impaired abilities such as planning,

organization, concentration, and abstract reasoning.

More hostile, and defiant. Can be reluctant, loss of interest,

disconnected. Make changes at work Do your best to avoid stressful situations Take small breaks when you feel

overwhelmed Take time to think. Do not make impulsive

decisions.

Causes There is no exact cause, can be a

number of things Genes, abnormal brain structure and

function, anxiety disorders, biological differences, imbalance of neurotransmitters.

Genetics- can run in family. Most common in people with first parent or sibling who have this disorder.

Ways to treat Bipolar Disorder Psychological Interventions (Counseling)

Psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, parent guidance sessions, anger management.

Medications Mood stabilizers, anti-psychotic medications,

and anti depressants.

A combination of therapy and mood stabilizers are recommended. Even if those both are recommended mood

changes etc will still occur.

Behavioral Plans for Children Provide frequent acknowledgements

of success Reward (child) for making efforts to

reduce problem behaviors. Develop meaningful incentives with

the child. Anger management for both children

and adults.

Sources School Psychiatry Program & Madi Resource Center. Bipolar

Disorder (Manic Depression). “What is Bipolar Disorder?” 2010.http://www2.massgeneral.org/schoolpsychiatry/info_bipolar.asp

National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens. “What is Bipolar Disorder?” January 28, 2015.http://

www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-in-children-and-teens-easy-to-read/index.shtml#pub5

Insel, Thomas. Behavioral Research at NIMH. “Reorganizing the 'Bricks' to Advance Public Health.” January 31, 2015

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director/bio/publications/behavioral-research-at-nimh.shtml

Marcia, Calvin. Adler School of Professional Psychology. March 10, 2015

Arana, Flavio. Meridian Psychiatric Partners. University of Wisconsin. February 17, 2015. March 12, 2015.