Bipolar

Question 1

Bipolar disorder is characterized by what 3 different states?

Answer 1

• Mania
• Hypomania
• Major depression

Question 2

Which mood state is a distinct period of abnormally or persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and persistently increased activity or energy, lasting at least one week and present most of the day, nearly every day

Answer 2

Mania

Question 3

Sx of mania

Answer 3

Three or more of the following symptoms must be present:
D - Distractibility
I - Indiscretions
G - Grandiosity
F - Flight of ideas
A - Activity increase
S - Sleeplessness
T - Talkativeness

Question 4

Is mania caused by a substance or other medical condition?

Answer 4

Nope

Question 5

What has similiar characteristics to mania but far less severe?

Answer 5

Hypomania

Question 6

What sx does hypomania display in contrast to mania

Answer 6

• Thought form is more organized
• Quick and creative thinking is common
• Often times more productive than usual, compared to the racing thoughts of manic episode

Question 7

What sxs must major depression present with for a 2 week period?

Answer 7

• Depressed mood (sad, empty, hopelessness)
• Diminished interest in pleasurable activities
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Psychomotor agitation (tapping, fidgeting, pacing, hand-wringing) or retardation (reduced physical movements and slowing of thoughts)
• Decreased energy
• Guilt or feelings of worthlessness
• Impaired concentration
• Thoughts of death or thoughts of suicide

Question 8

How should an IDC manage Bipolar disorder

Answer 8

• Immediate referral
• Acute manic episode may be treated with antipsychotic
  -Haloperidol if needed prior to MEDEVAC
• Maintenance therapy:
  Lithium
  Valproic acid
  Lamotrigine
  Quetiapine (Seroquel)