Bipolar disorder often has a long course and is characterised by both episodes of depressed mood and episodes of elated mood (mania or hypomania). However, for many people the predominant experience is of low mood. In its more severe forms, bipolar disorder is associated with significant impairment of personal and social functioning.
The peak age of onset is in late adolescence or early adult life, with a further small increase in incidence in mid to late life.
*Two types:
Bipolar I disorder (in which episodes of both depression and mania are required for diagnosis) and
Bipolar II disorder (in which episodes of both depression and hypomania, but no evidence of mania). This is more difficult to diagnose as it is confused with other psychiatric disorders including emotionally unstable personality disorder-borderline type. Patients with this disorder, generally, have more episodes of depression and usually do not respond to treatment with antidepressants.
Treatment:
Lithium, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone, Aripiprazole, Sodium Valproate, Valproic acid (as valproate semisodium), Lamotrigine and various antidepressants.
*NICE clinical guideline 38, Issue date: July 2006
Bipolar disorder: the management of bipolar disorder in adults, children and adolescents, in primary and secondary care
To learn more about Bipolar Affective Disorder, please click the following link: