Holistic Care of Persons with Bipolar 1 Disorder
Presented by Julie Brandy
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Bipolar Disorder, specifically bipolar 1, is a chronic disease affecting as much as 0.6% of the United States population. Health care professionals working with individuals with diagnosed bipolar 1 disorder may face challenges related to disease symptomology and management. This course will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of bipolar 1 disorder, including symptomology and management of the disease. Topics to be covered include: theories of etiology and prevalence of the disease; common symptoms experienced by individuals with bipolar 1 and how these symptoms differ from other bipolar disorders such as bipolar 2 and cyclothymic disorder; the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic criteria for bipolar 1 disorder; as well as pharmacological and nonpharmacological management of common symptoms of bipolar 1.
Meet your instructor
Julie Brandy
Dr. Brandy is an Associate Professor of Nursing at Valparaiso University. She holds a PhD in Nursing Science from Loyola University, Chicago, a master’s degree as a clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric/mental health nursing, and a post-graduate Certificate as a family nurse practitioner from Valparaiso University. Dr.…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Prevalence and Theories of Etiology of Bipolar 1 Disorder
The average age of diagnosis for individuals with bipolar 1 is 18 years, and the disease affects men and women almost equally. There are no biological tests to confirm the diagnosis of bipolar 1 disorder, and the exact etiology of the disease is unknown. Several theories explaining the possible etiology of bipolar 1 disorder will be discussed.
2. Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar 1 Disorder
The American Psychiatric Association (2013) has established specific criteria for the diagnosis of bipolar 1 based upon symptomology, as well as the duration the individual has experienced the symptoms. The specific criteria for the diagnosis of bipolar 1, including the most common symptoms, will be presented. The differences in symptomology between bipolar 1, bipolar 2, and cyclothymic disorder will be clarified.
3. Pharmacologic Treatment Measures for Individuals With Bipolar 1 Disorder
Multiple medications are available to assist in the management of symptoms related to bipolar 1 disorder. Lithium is considered the gold standard of treatment for bipolar 1 disorder. Other common categories of medications are anticonvulsants, typical antipsychotic drugs, and atypical antipsychotic drugs. The pharmacologic properties and mechanism of actions for these medications will be discussed. Although these medications may work well to manage the symptoms of bipolar 1 disorder, they have adverse effects which range from mild to life-threatening. Health care professionals working with individuals with bipolar 1 disorder must possess skills to recognize and intervene quickly when patients experience these adverse effects.
4. Nonpharmacologic Treatment Measures for Individuals With Bipolar 1 Disorder
Many of the chronic symptoms of bipolar 1 disorder can make it challenging for health care professionals to develop a therapeutic working relationship with patients. Interventions that can be utilized by health care professionals during the maintenance phase of the disease to develop a trusting relationship will be discussed. When a patient with bipolar 1 disorder is experiencing acute symptoms, safety must be a priority. Health care professionals working with individuals with bipolar 1 disorder must be aware of possible consequences of the disease, including the high risk of suicide related to this disorder. Nonpharmacologic interventions that can be utilized during acute episodes to provide for safety will be discussed.
