BIPOLAR DISORDERS

Illness with greatest genetic linkage!

Bipolar disorder, (also known as manic-depression), is a psychiatric illness in which patients experience the extremes of mood that is, major depression plus mania/hypomania. The patient’s mood alternates between depression and mania.

SYMPTOMS OF MANIA:

at least 3 symptoms must occur for 1 week or more

–DIG FAST–

D – distractibility

I – insomnia

G – delusions of grandeur

F – flight of ideas

A – increase in Activity

S – reduced Sleep

T – talkativity

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION:

at least 5 symptoms must occur for 2 weeks or more

– SIG E CAPS –

S – sleep change

I – loss of Interest/ pleasure (anhedonia)

G – guilt/ worthlessness

E – lack of Energy

C – loss of Concentration

A – appetite change

P – psychomotor agitation or retardation

S – suicidal ideation

MANIA V/S HYPOMANIA:

Patients labeled as having mania or hypomania have similar symptoms. The difference lies in the patient’s daily day life. In case of mania, the patient feels inconvenient to perform routine tasks as he would hence it leads to disturbance in patient’s life. Where as in hypomania, the patient does not lead a disturbed life.

TYPES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER:

TREATMENT:

Assess if the patient requires hospitalization or can be treated as an out-patient case.

References:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673613608570