Bipolar

BipolarDisorder characterized by mood swings between states of extreme elation and severe depression. Formerly called Manic-Depression

Bipolar I Disorder Bipolar II Disorder

Has experienced the following:One or more full

Manic Episode One or more Major

depressive episodes may appear later on

Has experience the following:One or more major

depressive episodeAt least one

Hypomanic episode (never a full-blown manic episode)

Manic Episode

Definition: Period of unrealistically heightened euphoria, extreme restlessness, and excessive activity characterized by disorganized behavior and impaired judgment.

Pressured Speech• Outpouring of speech in which words seem to surge urgently for expression, as in a manic state

Rapid Flight of Ideas• Characteristic of manic behavior involving rapid speech and changes of topic

Depressive Episode

Depressive episode can only be diagnosed after two weeks after several symptoms have been noted

Person experiences:

• Lack of Appetite • Lack of interest• Loss of pleasure in

all or virtually all activities

• Lose of gain substantial amounts of weight

• Become physically agitated

Depressed Mood

A significant loss of gain of

weight

Insomnia or Hypersomina

Reduced ability to

concentrate or think clearly

Greatly Reduced Sense of Pleasure

Excessive agitation or

slowing down

Feelings of Fatigue

Recurrent thoughts of

death or suicide

Who is likely to get this disorder?

Men and

Women

Equally

Around the Age of 20’s

Substance

Abuse

Problems

Sleep ProblemsFamily with

this

problem

Bipolar DisorderPeople who are Stressed so

that their sleep cycles changed

Episodes last roughly a week

Two stages “MANIC” followed by “Depression”

known as a

Women tend to Cycle Quicker then Men

Celebrities have been known to function quite well with BD it almost helps them

The Majority would not wish to loose the disorder

The Patient will show these symptoms when manic; racing thoughts, poor judgment, distractibility.

Symptoms of depression; anxiety, guilt, fatigue, lack of interest

Organization

Mood Disorders Association of

Ontario• Niagara region

branch has support group meetings monthly in St. Catharines

Canadian Mental Health

Association

• CMHA Niagara Branch located in St. Catharines

• - Other locations in Niagara Falls and Fort Erie

Centres Niagara Centre for Independent Living• Cross-disability organization located in St.

Catharines• Includes peer support, youth leadership program,

information referral, and work-link

Pathstone Mental Hospital• For children and youth and their

families• Centres in Thorold and WellandNiagara Health System (NHS)• Greater Niagara General, St. Catharines General and

Welland Hospital

Online

• www.harbor-of-

refuge.org

Harbour of Refuge

• www.bpso.or

gBipolar Significant Others

• http://

www.mooddisorde

rscanada.ca/

forum/

Mood Disorders Society

Call Lines

St. Catharines, Niagara Falls Area: 905-688-3711

Distress Centre Niagara

1-866-531-2600

Mental Health

Helpline