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Chapter 8 - Bipolar Disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2024

By
Prabhleen Jaggi ,
David M. L. Branford  and
Regi T. Alexander
Edited by
David M. L. Branford ,
Satheesh K. Gangadharan ,
Mary Barrett  and
Regi T. Alexander
David M. L. Branford
Affiliation:
Independent Pharmacy Consultant
Satheesh K. Gangadharan
Affiliation:
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Mary Barrett
Affiliation:
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Regi T. Alexander
Affiliation:
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
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Summary

Bipolar disorders are episodic mood disorders defined by the occurrence of manic, mixed, or hypomanic episodes or symptoms. Manic and hypomanic symptoms are characterised by a subjective experience of increased energy and activity, along with various other symptoms. These episodes typically alternate over the course of these disorders with depressive episodes or periods of depressive symptoms such as lowering of mood, decreased energy and activity (ICD-11, 2019; DSM-5, 2013). Both the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5 and the International Classification of Diseases ICD-11 broadly subclassify the condition as follows: bipolar I disorder: one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes. Individuals often have one or more major depressive episodes; bipolar II disorder: one or more major depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode. Bipolar affective disorders present a major diagnostic and treatment challenge to services for people with intellectual disability. The chapter presents an overview of the condition, the treatments with medication available, and their relevance. The chapter includes the use of mood stabilisers such as sodium valproate.

Keywords

bipolar disordermood disordermood stabilisersantipsychotic medications
Type
Chapter
Information
The Frith Prescribing Guidelines for People with Intellectual Disability , pp. 102 - 117
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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References

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