TRENDING MEDICAL EDUCATION TOPIC: BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that affect a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. These shifts in mood and energy levels are more severe than the normal ups and downs that the general population experiences. An estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults had bipolar in the past year, and 4.4% experience bipolar at some point in their lives. There are three basic types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder. Bipolar symptoms that do not match one of these three categories is often referred to as “other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.” Proper diagnosis and treatment are important for people with bipolar disorder to lead healthy and productive lives. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help when they are depressed than when experiencing mania or hypomania, therefore a careful medical history is needed to ensure that bipolar disorder is not mistakenly diagnosed as major depression.

Here are a few important learning objectives regarding Bipolar Disorder:

• Describe the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and the role the neurotransmitters play in them
• Describe the benefits and risks of pharmacotherapy for patients presenting with bipolar disorder and take them into account when formulating treatment plans for patients.
• Recommend therapy changes in patients with bipolar disorder who are unable to tolerate a prescribed treatment
• Identify barriers to care in patients with bipolar disorder and develop strategies to abate them

CLICK HERE to download a PDF file featuring information gaps, potential needs, and references for this topic.

If your medical staff needs an update on bipolar disorder, consider contacting our office to book a speaker on this topic at 877-505-4777or info@speakersnetwork.com.

REFERENCES

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder