Bipolar Disorder

There are two main forms of bipolar disorder described in the DSM-5: Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorder. In Bipolar I, individuals have suffered from at least one manic episode. In Bipolar II, individuals have suffered from at least one depressive episode with fluctuations in mood consistent with hypomania. Manic symptoms last at least one week and cause marked functional impairment often resulting in a hospitalization, whereas hypomanic episodes are less severe and typically last four days or less without marked impairment. An acronym for recognizing the symptoms of mania is as follows:

D-distractibility increased

I- irresponsible behaviour

G-grandiosity (ideas of high importance of self)

F-flight of ideas (rapid shifting between thoughts only loosely connected to each other)

A-activity increased (weight loss and increased libido common)

S-sleep decreased

T-talkativeness increased

If someone is noted to be spending a lot more money than usual, acting very energized, impulsive, or hyperactive with few hours of sleep per night they may be having a manic episode, which can present with or without symptoms of psychosis. The mainstay medications for bipolar disorder are lithium and other mood stabilizers, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotic medications.