Bipolar Mood Disorder: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Explained

1. Definition:

• Bipolar Mood Disorders are mental health conditions characterized by extreme mood swings, including manic (high) and depressive (low) episodes.

Mnemonic: "MD Swings"

• M: Mood disorders
• D: Depressive and Manic episodes
• S: Swing between highs and lows

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2. Types:

1. Bipolar I Disorder: At least one manic episode, possibly followed by depressive episodes.
   Mnemonic: "I = Intense Mania"
2. Bipolar II Disorder: At least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode.
   Mnemonic: "II = Hypomanic & Depressive"
3. Cyclothymia: Less severe mood swings, with periods of hypomania and mild depression.
   Mnemonic: "Cyclo = Cycle of Moods"
4. Unipolar Depression: Only depressive episodes, no mania.
   Mnemonic: "Uni = Only Down"

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3. Symptoms:

Manic Episode: (DIG FAST)

• D: Distractibility
• I: Impulsivity/Irresponsibility
• G: Grandiosity (high self-esteem)
• F: Flight of ideas (racing thoughts)
• A: Activity increase (hyperactivity)
• S: Sleep disturbance (less need)
• T: Talkativeness

Depressive Episode: (SIG E CAPS)

• S: Sleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia)
• I: Interest loss (anhedonia)
• G: Guilt (feelings of worthlessness)
• E: Energy loss (fatigue)
• C: Concentration issues
• A: Appetite change (weight loss or gain)
• P: Psychomotor changes (agitation or retardation)
• S: Suicidal thoughts

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4. Diagnosis:

• Use DSM-IV TR Criteria for Major Depressive and Manic Episodes.
• Manic Episode: Abnormally elevated mood for at least 1 week.
• Depressive Episode: 5 or more symptoms present for 2 weeks.

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5. Treatment:

Mood Stabilizers: (LVC)

• L: Lithium (Gold standard)
• V: Valproate/Divalproex (for mania)
• C: Carbamazepine (alternative to Lithium)

Atypical Antipsychotics: (ORAQZ)

• O: Olanzapine
• R: Risperidone
• A: Aripiprazole
• Q: Quetiapine
• Z: Ziprasidone

Antidepressants (SSRI & SNRI): (PFS)

• P: Paroxetine
• F: Fluoxetine
• S: Sertraline

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6. Management Tips:

• Educate patients about the "TRIPLE P" approach:
• P: Psychoeducation
• P: Psychotherapy
• P: Pharmacotherapy