General Knowledge & Definition
What is Bipolar Disorder, and what was it historically called?
Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels. Involves alternating episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. Historically, it was called manic-depressive illness or manic-depressive psychosis.
List three common behavioral or mood symptoms of a manic episode.
What is elevated mood, irritability and increased energy?
What is the generally accepted scientific understanding of the cause of Bipolar Disorder (i.e., is there a single cause)?
There is no single cause. Instead, it is understood to be the result of a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors that interact to increase an individual's risk.
Who is typically responsible for making a formal diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder?
What is a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
What is a "euthymic" state in Bipolar Disorder?
What is a period of emotional stability and balance in someone with bipolar disorder, characterized by a stable mood between episodes of mania or depression?
What are the two primary, opposing mood states or "poles" that characterize Bipolar Disorder?
What is mania (or hypomania) and depression?
List three common behavioral or mood symptoms of a major depressive episode in the context of bipolar disorder.
What is a persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood?
What role do genetics play in a person's risk of developing Bipolar Disorder?
It is a highly heritable condition that can run in families.
Is there a single medical test (like a blood test or brain scan) that can definitively diagnose Bipolar Disorder?
What is no?
What is one major misconception about Bipolar Disorder regarding the frequency of mood swings?
What is individuals with the condition constantly experience rapid and unpredictable shifts between extreme highs (mania/hypomania) and lows (depression), often changing moods multiple times a day or even within minutes?
In reality, mood episodes for most people with bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, or even months at a time, rather than changing in an instant.
How is a manic episode distinguished from a hypomanic episode?
Greater severity, including a longer duration and more significant impairment in daily functioning, which may require hospitalization.
What is a "mixed episode," and why can it be particularly dangerous?
What is a period in which an individual simultaneously experiences symptoms of both mania (or hypomania) and depression?
How can stressful life events or trauma potentially influence the onset or recurrence of bipolar episodes?
What is altering brain function and increasing reactivity to stress?
What class of medication is considered the first-line and most important treatment for stabilizing mood in Bipolar Disorder?
What is mood stabilizers?
What is one harmful misconception about mania being a "fun" or purely positive experience?
What is it leads people to delay seeking essential medical treatment, believing their condition is a desirable state rather than a symptom of a serious mental illness?
What is the main difference between Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder?
Bipolar 1 involves manic episodes that are severe, potentially leading to hospitalization, while Bipolar 2 involves hypomanic episodes, which are milder and less disruptive than full mania.
What is "rapid cycling," and how is it defined in terms of episode frequency?
What is a severe course specifier for bipolar disorder, characterized by experiencing frequent mood episodes within a short period.
What common co-occurring mental health conditions are often found alongside Bipolar Disorder?
What is anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, and eating disorders?
Name two types of psychotherapy often used in the management of Bipolar Disorder.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)?
Is Bipolar Disorder a condition that only affects adults?
What is Cyclothymic Disorder?
A mild form of bipolar disorder characterized by chronic, fluctuating moods that swing between hypomanic and depressive episodes.
Besides mood, what other areas of functioning (like energy or cognition) are significantly impacted by bipolar episodes?
What is energy levels, cognition, sleep, appetite, and libido?
How can substance use affect the course of Bipolar Disorder?
What is worse outcomes, increased symptom severity, and greater treatment resistance?
Why is adherence to a long-term treatment plan, even during stable periods, so important for managing Bipolar Disorder?
What is to prevent relapses?
What is the role of psychoeducation for both the individual with Bipolar Disorder and their family/support system?
What is providing them with knowledge about the illness to improve management, reduce stigma, and strengthen relationships?