Bipolar Disorder Pathochart

This nursing cheatsheet will help you learn about bipolar disorder, a mood disorder characterized by emotional extremes and difficulties in regulating mood. It involves periods of mania and depression, interspersed with normal periods. Manic episodes manifest as high energy levels, elation, rapid speech, and impulsive behavior, while depressive episodes are marked by feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and decreased energy. Bipolar disorder's etiology is complex, with genetic, environmental, and psychological stressors playing a role. Management goals are to manage acute episodes and provide support for long-term management. Medications include anti-anxiety meds during manic phases, antipsychotics like Zyprexa and Abilify for their sedative and mood-stabilizing effects, and mood stabilizers like Lithium. Regular monitoring of therapeutic levels and avoidance of toxicity is essential with Lithium. Nursing interventions for mania involve ensuring a safe environment, promoting appropriate sleep/wake cycles, and avoiding confrontations. For depressive phases, emphasis is on safety, suicide risk assessment, and encouraging expression of feelings. Collaborative management includes ruling out medical causes, ensuring patient safety, and creating a quiet environment for the patient​​​​​​.