Bipolar disorder

Contents Page

Bipolar disorder 3

The disorder 8

Bipolar disorder in older people 9

Treatment 10

For more information 23

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Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a condition when someone suffers from:

• Times when they have a high mood - this is called mania

• Times when they have a low mood. This is called depression

We will call it bipolar disorder after a person has at least two periods of illness.

One of these periods will have been manic.

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Mania Mania is when a person appears overly happy all the time with increased energy levels.

You cannot interrupt a manic person while they are speaking

They may act in an embarrassing way, such as flirting with their doctor

They are busy all the time

They don’t need much sleep and often stay awake at night

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They cannot concentrate, for example, can’t sit to read a newspaper

They boast about their abilities

They overspend

They may also have:

• Hallucinations. They see things and hear voices

• Delusions. They believe things that are wrong.

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Depression Depression is where someone:

• Is sad a lot

• Has no interest or enjoyment in everyday things

They may also:

• Not want to eat much

• Not be able to sleep

• Not be interested in sex

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• Feel guilty

• Feel hopeless

• Think about suicide

• Lack confidence

• Not like themselves much

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The disorderBipolar disorder affects people in different ways:

• Some people have manic times followed by severe depression. They are then left with mild ongoing depressive symptoms

• Some people become completely well and stay well for many years after a period of illness

• Some people have a few periods of depression before they have a manic period

• Some people have four or more times of illness in a year

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Bipolar disorder in older people

Bipolar disorder affects only a few older adults.

Very few people develop bipolar when they are older.

Older people with bipolar disorder are likely to have more periods of depression.

People who are older may get mania if they have another brain disease - like a stroke.

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TreatmentBipolar disorder can be treated with:

• A change to a healthier lifestyle

• Reducing the amount of stress in your life

• Talking therapy will help with the depression

• ECT may be used if someone has a very serious depression

• Medication

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ECT is electric shock treatment

Mood stabilisers Doctors may suggest that you take a type of medication called a mood stabiliser over a long period.

This may help to control the bipolar illnesss.

Lithium is a type of mood stabiliser. It can help to keep people well.

Healthy Lifestyle People with bipolar should:

• Keep a diary or chart of how the bipolar is going

• Watch out for when you feel stress

• Have a plan to get help quickly if you feel unwell

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• Have regular routines

• Keep taking your medication

• Don’t be afraid to talk to others about your illness

• Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink

• Take more exercise

• Stop smoking.

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For more information

This resource is part of the MindEd online learning site.

For more information please contact:-

Web: www.mindedforfamilies.org.uk

Email: minded@rcpsych.ac.uk

Twitter: @MindEdUK

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