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