What is Bipolar Disorder?
What is Bipolar Disorder in simple terms?
A mood disorder where a person cycles between very low moods (depression) and very high or energized moods (mania or hypomania). These mood shifts are bigger than normal ups and downs.
What is Schizophrenia in simple terms?
A brain disorder that affects how a person thinks, understands reality, and processes information.
What is Schizoaffective Disorder in simple terms?
A condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia with mood disorder symptoms like depression or mania.
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
A serious mood disorder where sadness, low energy, and loss of interest last for weeks or longer and affect daily life.
What are Anxiety Disorders in simple terms?
Conditions where fear or worry is excessive and interferes with daily life.
What are common symptoms you might notice?
During depression: low energy, sadness, isolation, poor hygiene
During mania: little sleep, fast talking, impulsive choices, agitation
What symptoms might a you observe?
Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, disorganized speech, flat emotions, social withdrawal.
How does it look different from schizophrenia alone?
The person has psychotic symptoms and clear mood episodes that significantly affect functioning.
What symptoms are commonly seen?
Persistent sadness, fatigue, isolation, changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of hopelessness.
What symptoms might a you observe?
Restlessness, racing thoughts, avoidance, panic attacks, stomach issues, muscle tension.
What treatments are commonly used?
Mood stabilizing medications, sometimes antipsychotics, therapy, and structured routines.
What treatments are typically needed?
Antipsychotic medication, ongoing psychiatric care, therapy, and strong community supports.
What treatments are commonly used?
A combination of antipsychotic medication and mood or antidepressant medication, plus therapy.
What treatments are commonly helpful?
Therapy, antidepressant medication, routine building, and social support.
What treatments are typically needed?
Therapy (especially CBT), coping skills, grounding techniques, and sometimes medication.
What is a common myth about Bipolar Disorder?
"They’re just moody or dramatic.”
Reality: These mood changes are brain-based and can’t be controlled by willpower.
What is a harmful myth about Schizophrenia?
“People with schizophrenia are violent.”
Reality: Most are not dangerous and are more likely to be harmed than to harm others.
What is a common misunderstanding?
“It’s just severe bipolar disorder.”
Reality: Psychotic symptoms can happen even when mood symptoms improve.
What myth harms people with depression?
“They could just think positive or try harder.”
Reality: Depression affects brain functioning and motivation.
What is a common misconception?
“Everyone has anxiety, so it’s not serious.”
Reality: Clinical anxiety can be disabling and overwhelming.
When should you be concerned and escalate?
When there is no sleep for days, risky or impulsive behavior, medication refusal, or sudden major mood changes that affect safety or functioning.
What signs require immediate clinical attention?
Command hallucinations, worsening paranoia, medication noncompliance, inability to care for self, or sudden changes in behavior.
What should you track carefully?
Both mood changes and psychotic symptoms, medication adherence, and how symptoms affect daily functioning.
What red flags require escalation?
Suicidal thoughts, giving away belongings, increased isolation, missed appointments, or declining hygiene and ADLs.
What is a key skill to have with anxious clients?
Supporting grounding and coping without reinforcing avoidance, and communicating worsening symptoms to licensed staff.