Course content available in articles and interviews.
This is a basic course on Bipolar Disorder, which has been known historically as Bipolar Affective Disorder and Manic Depression. The course provides a comprehensive definition and description of the symptoms associated with the various types of Bipolar Disorder. The prevalence, demographics, neurobiological function and etiology associated with Bipolar Disorder are reviewed. Both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatment options are identified and the risks and benefits associated with each are noted. A critique of the diagnosis and treatment in use for children is presented.
This course consists of nine articles and two audiotaped interviews (text transcripts provided) about the diagnosis of and treatment for Bipolar Disorder. In the first section of this course the diagnosis, prevalence, demographics, neurobiological function and etiology associated with Bipolar Disorder are reviewed. The second set of documents examines a variety of treatments for Bipolar Disorder. The third set presents non-pharmaceutical treatment options for Bipolar Disorder. The fourth section of the course presents a critical voice of the Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment. A glossary of terms and additional resources and references are provided for further study, but they are not part of the course.
Educational Objectives
This course will teach the participant to
Identify Bipolar Disorder and describe symptoms generally associated with it.
Identify differences in symptoms for those with Bipolar Disorder vs. Unipolar Depression.
Describe the differences between Bipolar I Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophrenia.
Summarize the ways in which the treatment of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder differs from the treatment of Bipolar Disorder in adults.
Identify the different classes of medications used to treat Bipolar Disorder and their side effects.
Review some of the classic and contemporary non-pharmaceutical treatments for Bipolar.
Recite some of the alternative explanations for symptoms that might otherwise be perceived as evidence of Bipolar Disorder.
Describe concerns voiced about diagnosing children with Bipolar Disorder.
Syllabus
Introduction to Bipolar Disorder
Definition, Descriptions, Demographics and Prevalence
Differentiating between Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Medications and Side Effects:
SSRIs and SSNRIs
Atypical Antidepressants
Mood Stabilizers
Antipsychotics
Antidepressant/Antipsychotic
Antiseizure/Antiepileptic
Calcium Channel Blockers
Non-pharmaceutical Treatment
Psychoeducation
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
Intensive Psychosocial Intervention
Mindfulness-based Interventions
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Critique of medical-psychiatric-pharmaceutical approaches