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 ManiaDepression  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 SwingsBipolar 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