Bipolar Disorder

Amber Critchlow, Morgan Grant

and Raytasha Strain
What is Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness
formerly known as manic depression.
Bipolar can cause severe mood swings which
include emotional highs known as mania and
or hypomania. Lows can also occur which is
known as depression.

The mood swings that Bipolar causes can

affect many daily things such as energy
level, behaviour, sleep and the ability to
think clearly.

(Mayo Clinic, 2018)

Other Definitions That You should Know
Mania- is a abnormal mood state. Mania is greek for madness
and is derived from the greek word Mainmai which means to
rave in anger.

Hypomania- is a mild cause of mania, that does not usually

require hospitalization.

Manic Episode- a manic episode is categorized by having a

period of a mood state, lasting at least one week. People say
that when experiencing a manic episode it is like “being able
to do or accomplish anything” or “extreme optimism but on
steroids” (psychcentral, 2018)
I am Bipolar, But I’m not

https://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=7D-15Z9oE2g
Living with Bipolar

https://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=_HHzmG
cTvUE
Types of Bipolar Disorder
❖ Bipolar I Disorder

❖ Bipolar II Disorder

❖ Cyclothymic Disorder

❖ Mixed Features

❖ Rapid Cycling
Bipolar One Disorder
❖ Bipolar One Disorder is the most severe form of this
illness
❖ People with Bipolar type one usually have a hard time
functioning
❖ Some people may come off as having psychotic symptoms
❖ Most people are in their teens or early 20s when symptoms
first appear
❖ One or more manic or mixed episodes accompanied with
depression episodes may occur

(WebMD, 2018)

(Bipolar-Lives,2018)
Bipolar Two Disorder
❖ Less severe than Bipolar One Disorder
❖ Suffer from depression more often than hypomania
❖ Many experience episodes of depression
❖ Depression episodes may cause major issues in their lives
over time
❖ The high moods usually never reach a full blown mania
episode
❖ Anyone can develop Bipolar Two Disorder

(WebMD, 2018)

(Headspace,2018)
Cyclothymic Disorder
● Extremely rare disorder but without treatment and/or
intervention could evolve into Bipolar One and Two
● Less severe and a person is capable of functioning in
their daily life compared to that of Bipolar One and Two
● Emotional mood swings occur randomly and frequently
fluctuate
● The high mood swings are called hypomanic which could be
extreme cases of feelings of optimism, self-esteem, and
euphoria

(Mayo Clinic,2018)
Cyclothymic Disorder continued…
● The low mood swings are mild/moderate depression which
could be restlessness, suicidal thoughts, and/or loss of
interest
● 3 causes to this disorder are environment, heredity and
the body’s biochemical processes
● There’s no ways to prevent this condition but therapy,
early intervention with the family doctor and a
psychotherapy

(Mayo Clinic,2018)
Mixed Features
● ANYONE can develop mixed bipolar episodes but it is most
common in those with bipolar disorders
● Adolescence and early 20s is when this onsets
● Those with mixed features experience mania and depression
rapidly
● Those with this disorder experience agitation,
accelerated speech and thoughts, and extremely overactive
● Depression with mixed features involves the same
symptoms known such as not interacting with others, no
interest in activities and low self-esteem
(WebMD,2018)
Rapid Cycling
Rapid cycling is a pattern of frequent, distinct episodes in bipolar
disorder. A person with rapid cycling disorder will experience four
or more episodes in one year, where they suffer from depression or
mania.

Rapid cycling can occur at any time during bipolar disorder. Rapid
cycling can come and go at anytime over the years, but it all
depends on how your bipolar is treated.

Rapid cycling isn’t always permanent.

“A rapid cycling pattern may occur in about 10% to 20% of people

with the disorder.” (Webmd.com, 2018)
(Webmd.com, 2018)
Diagnostic Criteria
Physical exam: Your doctor may do a physical exam and lab tests to identify
any medical problems that could be causing your symptoms.

Psychiatric assessment: Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist, who will
talk to you about your thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns.

Mood charting: You may be asked to keep a daily record of your moods, sleep
patterns or other factors that could help with diagnosis and finding the right
treatment.

Criteria for bipolar disorder: Your psychiatrist may compare your symptoms
with the criteria for bipolar and related disorders in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
(mayoclinic.org, 2018)
Etiology
● There is not one single cause for Bipolar Disorder
● It is usually caused by a range of things interacting

Genetic Factors

● Some studies say that there is a genetic factor to

bipolar disorder, it is more likely for a person to have
bipolar if a family has it as well

(Medicalnewstoday,2018)
Biological Traits
Physical Changes in a person's brain is shown in patients with bipolar
disorder.

Brain-Chemical Imbalances- The Neurotransmitter imbalances can play a key role

in multiple mood disorders like bipolar disorder

Hormonal Problems- Hormonal imbalances could also be a trigger (cause) of

bipolar disorder

Environmental Factors- Things like abuse, a significant loss, mental stress

and or a traumatic event could contribute to the cause of bipolar disorder

People with a genetic factor may not show symptoms until a environmental
factor triggers a severe mood swing

(Medicalnewstoday,2018)
Prognosis
● The bipolar disorder is very hard to identify and
diagnose
● Mixed features which include episodes of mania &
depression could elevate to Bipolar 1 & 2
● Mood stabilizing medication is prescribed alongside
counseling, yet many patients stop the medication which
causes a negative effect
● When a patient isn’t able to take medication and/or
counselling doesn’t work then electroconvulsive therapy
(ECT)is used

(WebMD,2018)
Behavioural Symptoms
● Feeling sad, hopeless, and/or empty ● Lack of motivation

● Having thoughts of death or suicide ● Delusions

● Indecision
● Having feelings of worthlessness or
● Sleep problems
guilt
● Loss of energy
● Physical and mental impairment
● Impaired judgment and
● Acting recklessly without thinking
impulsiveness
about the consequences
● Reduced sex drive
● Racing thoughts
● Huge change in appetite
● Withdrawing from friends and family

(Webmd.com, 2018)
(Helpguide.org, 2018)
Treatment
Bipolar disorder is treated with three main classes of medication. These three
medications include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and sometimes
controversial, antidepressants.

The most used treatment for bipolar disorder include lithium carbonate and
valproic acid (which is also known as Depakote or generically as divalproex).

● Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which is also known as “shock therapy.”

● Physical activity
● Psychotherapy
● Cognitive-behavioural therapy
● Family-focused therapy

(camh.ca, 2018)
(webmd.com, 2018)
School Life
● Extra sensitivity
● Easily frustrated
● Disproportionate emotions
● Over tired
● Difficulty with staying organized and planning
● Stressed more than others
● Lack of motivation

(keltymentalhealth.ca, 2018)
(bphope.com, 2018)
Home Life
Home life for a person with Bipolar can be
very difficult. Some people with Bipolar
don’t have a proper support system to help
them through their troubled times. From
feeling alone to raging angry can happen
very quickly and some individuals do not
know how to deal with these issues on their
own. For someone with Bipolar they can
having trouble keeping relationships,
socializing, communicating with family or
other and expressing their emotions
properly.
The Effects on Family
❖ Changes in family roles
❖ Health problems caused from stress
❖ Strain on marriage
❖ Strain on other family relationships
❖ Have to deal with unusual behaviour/ dangerous behaviour
❖ Emotional distress/ feeling mentally drained
❖ Financial problems
❖ Trouble with communication with family members
(Here to help,2018)
 Personal Experience: Amber
I have personal experience with Bipolar Disorder. I do not have
it but my mom does and it can be very mentally draining and
stressful. In the previous slide we talked about the effects
bipolar has on the family, I have experienced some of those such
as:

● Change in family roles

● Trouble communicating with each other
● Unusual behaviours
● Emotional Distress
● Strain on our mother, daughter relationship
Support Organizations
● Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
● Mood Disorders Association of BC (MDA)
● Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC)
● Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
● Stable Moods
● Bipolar Disorder Learning Center
● The Bipolar Child

(mdsc.ca, 2018)
(bipolarcaregivers.org, 2018)
Activity
In groups of 4, draw around a group member on a large piece
of paper. Label areas where people experience physical
problems when they are stressed.

What additional experiences might someone with a mental

health problem like depression, bipolar, psychosis have on
the body and mind?
References
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conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955

Bipolar Disorder. (2014). Retrieved March 13, 2018, from http://canadiandisabilitybenefits.ca/types-of-disabilities/bipolar-

disorder/

Symptoms & Types. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-
symptoms-types

Manic Episode Symptoms. (2018, January 15). Retrieved March 22, 2018, from https://psychcentral.com/disorders/manic-
episode/

Diagnosis by the DSM. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2018, from https://www.jbrf.org/diagnosis-by-the-dsm/

What are Bipolar Disorders. (2017, January). Retrieved March 23, 2018, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-
families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders

Bipolar Type 1. (2014, February 24). Retrieved March 22, 2018, from http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-type-1.html
References Continued
Bipolar Disorder: Effects on the Family. (2017). Retrieved March 22, 2018, from
http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/bipolar-disorder-effects-on-the-family

Definition of Mania. (2017, January 25). Retrieved March 23, 2018, from
https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4271

Mania-Like Symptoms Suggestive of Childhood-Onset Bipolar Disorder in Clinically Referred Children. (2009, November
15). Retrieved March 23, 2018, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890856709635978

Bipolar II Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-2-

disorder#1

Teaching About Mental Illness: Activities. (2013, May 22). Retrieved March 24, 2018, from
http://teacherwithbipolar.blogspot.ca/2013/05/activities-that-teach-about-mental.html

Understanding bipolar disorder - for young people. (2018). Retrieved March 24, 2018, from
https://www.headspace.org.au/young-people/understanding-bipolar-disorder-for-young-people/
References Continued
Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2018, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-
disorder/bipolar-disorder-signs-and-symptoms.htm

Bipolar symptoms. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2018, from http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-symptoms.html

Bipolar Disorder: 14 Signs to Look For. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/health/could-it-
be-bipolar-signs-to-look-for#7-signs-of-depression

Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2018, from http://www.bipolarcaregivers.org/resources/organisations-and-websites-

dealing-with-bipolar-disorder/the-netherlands

Homepage. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2018, from http://www.mooddisorders.ca/

Support Links. (2017, December 04). Retrieved March 25, 2018, from https://mdsc.ca/support-links/

Understanding Bipolar Disorder -- Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-
disorder/guide/understanding-bipolar-disorder-treatment#1
References Continued
Treatments for bipolar disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2018, from
http://www.camh.ca/en/education/about/camh_publications/info_guides/bipolar-info-guide/Pages/Treatments-for-bipolar-
disorder.aspx#meds

How Your Child's Bipolar Disorder Can Affect The School Day | bpHope. (2017, February 19). Retrieved March 25, 2018,
from https://www.bphope.com/kids-children-teens/how-your-childs-bipolar-disorder-can-affect-the-school-day/

How can bipolar disorder affect my child’s performance at school. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2018, from
http://keltymentalhealth.ca/faq/how-can-bipolar-disorder-affect-my-child-s-performance-school

Nordqvist, C. (2017, December 07). Bipolar disorder: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Retrieved from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37010.php

Bipolar disorder. (2018, January 31). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-

disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355961