Bi Polar Disorder Short

Bi Polar Disorder A short lesson Information by Chris Skinner DMHP

Bi Polar Disorder Bi Polar Disorder is a Mental Disorder which is best described as a fluctuating mood disorder. The name comes from the fact that the mood swings between two "poles" of elated mood (the high pole) and depressed mood (the low pole).

Psychosis   Psychosis is another word for disordered thinking   Disordered thinking, or thought disorder can include hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are distortions of the perceptual senses and can be visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, taste or kinesthetic in nature. (Kinesthetic refers to the sense of balance)

Delusions Delusions are defined as irrational thoughts that have no basis in reality. Examples include delusions of grandeur, delusions of sexual prowess (nymphomania), ideas of reference (for example, TV characters are speaking to the viewer alone), ideas of influence (for example, the CIA have placed a chip in the head and are influencing one's thoughts.

Delusions occur often in the hypomanic or "high" mood of Bi-Polar Disorder and are treated by using antipsychotic medication

Controlling mood swings Salts: The commonest medications used to treat mood swings in Bi Polar Disorder are salts. Examples are Lithium Carbonate and Sodium Valproate

Once mood swings are controlled the victim is well, providing they continue to take the medication as advised by their treating Psychiatrist or their GP acting under the advice of a Psychiatrist

General Hints about Bi Polar Disorder Educate the family about the early warning signs of a manic episode. These can include:Diaphoresis (Excessive sweating) Insomnia (Inability or unwillingness to sleep) Raised vital sings - increased Pulse, Blood Pressure and Temperature, rapid respirations Dilated Pupils Restlessness Hypervigilance Delusional thoughts Racing thoughts    

General Hints 2 Usually, bi polar disorder erupts due to lack of medication the first episode is usually of unknown cause but stress and sensory overload as well as hormonal changes can be posited as "triggers" Methylamphetamine and other psycho-stimulants can induce bi-polar disorder, though how is still poorly understood Alcohol can be a trigger   Avoid triggers Eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise If on Medication take it as advised by your treating Psychiatrist or GP

Summary Bi Polar Disorder is a mental disorder characterised by mood swings and when "high" or "Manic" sufferers may experience thought disorder, especially delusions.   Treatment is through short term anti-psychotics and mood stabilisers - mood stabilisers are usually salts such as ithium Carbonate or Sodium Valproate. Other adjunct drugs such as Clonazepam may be given to assist with re-establishing adequate sleep.   The prognosis of well managed BPD is very good.