Bipolar disorder — sometimes classified as bipolar affective disorder or manic-depressive illness — is a common, severe, and persistent mental illness. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of deep, prolonged, and profound depression that alternate with periods of an excessively elevated or irritable mood known as mania. The symptoms of mania include decreased sleep time accompanied by a decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, increased libido, reckless behavior without regard for consequences, poor judgment, impulsivity, high distractibility hyperactivity, starting many projects without any follow-through, grandiosity, and severe thought disturbances, which may or may not include psychosis. Between these highs and lows, many patients, if adequately medicated, usually experience periods of higher functionality and can lead a productive life. Even without treatment, some patients function well and productively between extremes.
Are you familiar with the epidemiology, etiology, presentation, workup, and diagnosis for this challenging disorder? Test yourself with this quick quiz.
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Cite this: Fast Five Quiz: Are You Prepared to See Patients With Bipolar Disorder? - Medscape - Jun 22, 2018.
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