1. Bipolar disorder and how it affects everyday life
Carli Davis
University of Cincinnati
June 8, 2013

2. What is bipolar disorder?
Mental Illness in which common emotions become intensely and often unpredictably magnified
Those with bipolar disorder can quickly swing from extremes of happiness, energy and clarity to sadness, fatigue, and confusion
All individuals will have manic episodes that last at least a week and can impair functioning. Not all become depressed

3. Characteristics of bipolar disorder
People with Bipolar Disorder can experience “mood episodes”
Overly joyful or overexcited state is called a manic episode
Extremely sad or hopeless state is called a depressive episode
Sometimes a mood episode can include both types of symptoms, this is called a mixed state
Extreme changes in energy, activity, sleep and behavior can accompany these changes

4. Types of bipolar disorder
Bipolar I Disorder- defined by manic or mixed episodes that last at least a week and will usually also experience a depressive episode
Bipolar II Disorder- a pattern of depressive episodes shifting back and forth with hypomanic episodes but without manic or mixed episodes
Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS)-diagnosed when a person has symptoms but does not meet diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I or II
Cyclothymic Disorder- mild form of bipolar disorder, this person will have hypomania with mild depression for at least two years

5. Difference in Bipolar I & II
Here you can see that Bipolar I experiences a more intense mania episode

6. Prevalence More than 5.7 million American adults have bipolar disorder
Affects both men and women equally
Typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood
Internationally Bipolar Disorder appears equally common among youth in the US as the rest of the world
Rates may be lower in Asia than the US (could be lower rates of obesity or higher fish consumption)
This means 2.6% of the population in the US have Bipolar disorder

7. Is Bipolar disorder on the rise?
The media often presents the percentage to be increase, which exaggerates the appearance of change
Some risk factors have been on the rise so we can not rule out the possibility that there is an increase in Bipolar Disorder
Here you can see that there is a slight increase in the outpatient diagnosis of Bipolar disorder. The small increments on the vertical axis makes this appear to be much larger than it actually is.

8. Risk factors for bipolar disorder
Genetics- researchers are looking for genes that may increase a persons chance of developing the illness
Children with a parent or sibling who has Bipolar Disorder are four to six times more likely to develop the illness compared to those who do not have family history of the illness
Traits that appeared to run in families:
Psychiatric hospitalization
Age at first manic episode
Number and frequency of manic episodes

9. Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database
Scientists linked visible signs of the disorder with the genes that may influence them
Most people with Bipolar Disorder:
Missed work because of episodes
Other illness at the same time
Been treated or hospitalized for bipolar disorder
Scientists do not fully understand how these factors interact to cause Bipolar Disorder

10. How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
Cannot be physiologically detected by blood tests or brain scans
Physicians must rule out other medical conditions first
Can be based on by:
Symptoms
Illness
Family History

11. Symptoms of elevated mood
Increased energy
Euphoric Mood
Extreme Irritability
Poor concentration
Racing thoughts, jumping between ideas
Sleeplessness
Increased sexual behavior
Abuse of drugs (alcohol, cocaine, sleeping medications)
Spending sprees

12. Symptoms of depressed phase
Sad, anxious
Feelings of hopelessness
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Loss of interest in activities
Decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating
Restlessness and irritability
Change in appetite, unintended weight loss or gain
Thoughts of death or suicide

13. Physical effects of Bipolar disorder
Increased physical and mental activity
Trouble breathing
Social withdrawal
Loss of energy, aches and pains
Unexplained crying spells
Poor health
Weight gain, diabetes

14. Bipolar disorder and Suicide
Depressive phase is often severe and suicide can be a major risk factor
People who suffer from Bipolar Disorder and more likely to attempt suicide than those suffering from regular depression
Be aware of the warning signs of suicide
Talking about death or self-harm
Acting recklessly
Feeling worthless or like a burden to others
Seeking out weapons or pills that could be used to commit suicide

15. How it affects everyday life
May suddenly feel guilt and shame
Unexplained crying spells
Cancel social engagements due to Bipolar Disorder
Some say that it affect their ability to do housework and run errands

16. How it affects relationships
Will face ups and downs in school, family, work and friends
Must take medications and continue treatment to manage Bipolar Disorder
Feelings of distress during episodes
Disruption in regular routines
Difficulty maintaining relationships

17. How can you help a friend or relative who has bipolar disorder
Offer support, understanding and patience
Learn about Bipolar Disorder so you can understand what they may be experiencing
Listen to feelings carefully-be understanding about situations that may trigger symptoms
Invite individuals for “positive distractions” like taking a walk or other activities
Remind that they can be treated with time and correct treatment

18. How can I help myself if I have bipolar disorder?
Talk to your doctor about treatment options
Keep a regular routine
Try to get a good nights rest
Stay on medication
Learn about what may situations may trigger episodes
Be patient with treatment time

19. Can bipolar disorder be treated?
No cure exists
Treatable and manageable with psychotherapy and medications
Mood stabilizing medications are first choice for medication
Lithium is the most commonly prescribed medication

20. Psychotherapy Provides support and guidance
Educates the person and families about Bipolar Disorder(s)
Increase mood stability and increase overall functioning
Decrease hospitalization
Techniques used:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Psychoeducation
Family Therapy

21. Other treatments
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)- formerly known as shock therapy, can provide relief for people who experience severe Bipolar Disorder
Sleep medications- this helps ease the symptom of feeling sleeplessness at night
Herbal supplements- St. Johns (hypericum perforatum) may help, but no evidence has been shown and study results have been mixed
ECT is highly effective, but is not generally used first.

22. Awareness of Bipolar disorder
Carol Anne’s Story- High school student who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and 2 months later committed suicide
International Bipolar Foundation- Raise awareness of Bipolar Disorder, become a volunteer, educate about Bipolar Disorder

23. References
American Psychological Association (2013). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from on June 8, 2013.
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (2013). Frequently Asked Questions about Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from on June 8, 2013.
National Institute of Mental Health (2008). Bipolar Disorder, 1-26.
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. What is Bipolar Disorder? Retrieved from on June 8, 2013.

24. References con’D
Teens Health from Nemours. (2013). What is Bipolar Disorder? Retrieved from on June 8, 2013.
Helpguide.org. (2013). Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved from on June 8, 2013.
Social Workers Help Starts Here. (2013). Your Options: Living With Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from on June 8, 2013.
American Psychological Association. (2012). Myths and Realities About Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from on June 8, 2013.

25. References Con’D
National Alliance on Mental Health. (2013). Finding Your Own Way: Learning to Live with Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from on June 8, 2013.
Carol Anne’s Mission For Bipolar Disorder Awareness. (2010). Find Out More About Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved From on June 8, 2013.