Bipolar

Bipolar
• Characterized by episodes of mania
and depression with periods of
normal moods.
Causes:
1. Genetic – children with parents or siblings who
has bipolar disorder are four to six times more
likely to develop the illness
2. Brain Chemicals – (Noradrenaline, serotonin,
dopamine)
Noradrenaline, Serotonin – consistently linked
to psychiatric mood disorder such as
depression and bipolar disorder
Dopamine – linked with pleasure system of `
the brain, disruption to the dopamine system
is connected to psychosis and schizophrenia
3. Imbalanced Hormone
4. Environment
Factors that may increase the risk of
developing bipolar disorder include:
1. Having blood relatives such as parents or
siblings with bipolar disorder
2. Period of stress
3. Drug or alcohol abuse
4. Major life changes such as death of loved one
5. Being in your early 20’s
 Conditions that commonly occur with
Bipolar Disorder
1. Anxiety disorder
2. Attention deficit/Hyperactive Disorder
(ADHD)
3. Addiction or Substance Abuse
4. Physical Health Problem
Types of Bipolar
Disorder
1. Bipolar I
– disorder involves episodes of severe
mood swings from mania to
depression.
2. Bipolar II
– disorder in a milder form involving
milder hypomania (below mania) that
alternates with depression
3. Cyclothymia disorder
– describes a milder mood changes
4. Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder
– characterized by four or more mood
episodes that occur within 12 months
period.
5. Mixed Bipolar Disorder
– there is both mania and depression at
the same time.

e.g. The person feels grandiose with

racing thought – but he is also
irritable, angry or feeling bad.
Signs and Symptoms
1. Mania Symptoms
a. Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic or
extremely irritable
b. Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities
or powers
c. Sleeping very little but feeling extremely energetic
d. Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up
e. Racing thought, jumping quickly from one idea to
the next
f. High distractible, unable to concentrate
g. Impaired judgement and impulsiveness
h. Acting recklessly without thinking about the
consequences
i. Delusion and hallucinations (in severe cases)
2. Depressive Symptoms
a. Feeling hopeless
b. Irritability
c. Inability to experience pleasure
d. Fatigue or loss of energy
e. Physical and mental sluggishness
f. Appetite or weight changes
g. Sleep problems
h. Concentration and memory problems
i. Feeling of worthlessness or guilt
j. Thought of death or suicide