Bipolar

• SYMPTOMS OF “HIGHS” (MANIA)
• SYMPTOMS OF “LOWS”
• PHASES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
• WHO DOES BD AFFECT?
• HOW DOES IT IMPACT QUALITY OF LIFE?
• CAN IT BE TREATED?
• WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

• An elevated or irritable mood which is often cheerful and joking but is unstable. There can also be extreme irritability and hostility
• Overabundant energy and activity and rapid, pressured speech
• A rush of ideas
• Impulsive and inappropriate behaviour
• Grandiose delusions (e.g. delusions of inventive genius or aristocratic birth)
• Overoptimistic about one’s abilities
• Severe insomnia

The first symptoms of BD often present at 15 to 19 years of age. ² There is often a family history of bipolar disorder, bullying at school and attempts of suicide/self-harm. ⁵
MEN ⁷

• Early onset bd is often associated with manic episodes
• Higher probability of childhood antisocial behaviour
• Higher rates of comorbid alcohol abuse/dependence
• Cannabis abuse/dependence
• Pathological gambling

WOMEN ⁷

• More depressive episodes
• Higher rates of comorbid eating disorders
• Weight change
• Insomnia

Bipolar disorder impacts quality of life in the following ways:

• Affects work functioning and is responsible for loss of productivity and increased illness and absenteeism. In fact, 72% of bipolar patients receive disability payments.¹
• BD is associated with increased substance use/dependence and the excessive use of alcohol and smoking. ^{1, 5}
• It Increases the likelihood of having other psychiatric and medical conditions. ¹
• It Increases the risk of suicide, especially during major depressive episodes. ⁸

Yes, Effective treatment is certainly available for BD. However, despite advances in medical and non-medical treatments, BD often has many relapses and affects psychological functioning. ⁷
Long-term treatment is aimed at preventing manic and depressive episodes. Specialists strongly recommend Long-term treatment because even after one episode, the chances of having recurrences in a lifetime is 95%. ⁶ Therefore, treatment of BD is often lifelong, and treatment specialists need to review the condition at least every six months. ²