Bipolar disorder

Types of bipolar disorder

The types of bipolar disorder differ in how high the highs go and how long the mood changes last.

• Bipolar I disorder

  At least one episode of mania: a week or more of very high, driven or irritable mood, little need for sleep and risky behaviour, sometimes with losing touch with reality. Most people also have episodes of depression. It often starts in the late teens or early adulthood.

• Bipolar II disorder

  Episodes of depression, and episodes of hypomania: a milder high that lasts at least four days and that others notice, without the severe problems of mania. Because the highs can feel good, it is often first seen as depression alone.

• Cyclothymic disorder

  Frequent ups and downs over at least two years in adults, or one year in young people, that are milder than mania or major depression but still unsettling. Some people later develop bipolar I or II disorder.

• Bipolar disorder in pregnancy and after birth

  The weeks after birth are a time of higher risk of relapse for women with bipolar disorder, including postpartum psychosis. Planning care before pregnancy, or early in it, is recommended. See Perinatal mental health.

Signs to look for

• Periods of high energy and little need for sleep
• Racing thoughts or talking quickly
• Impulsive spending or risk-taking
• Feeling unusually confident or irritable
• Episodes of depression
• A family history of bipolar disorder

Assessment

Diagnosis depends on a careful history over time. Dr Stanganelli will ask about past episodes, sleep, family history and substance use, and may ask to speak with someone close to you. Keeping a mood diary can help.

Treatment

Dr Stanganelli assesses, diagnoses, prescribes where it helps, and coordinates your care with your GP and psychologist.

1. i.Mood-stabilising medication, with regular monitoring
2. ii.Learning your early warning signs and making a plan
3. iii.Regular review appointments
4. iv.Involving family in understanding the illness

Getting started

Ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral to Dr Stanganelli, then email it to appointments@stanganelli.com.au. Or post it to PO Box 5571, Mackay QLD 4740. All referrals are reviewed and assessed by Dr Stanganelli to determine suitability for the practice. Submission of a referral does not guarantee acceptance or an appointment. If your referral is accepted, we'll contact you with a time in Mackay, Brisbane or by telehealth, usually in under 4 weeks. If we can't accept a referral, we'll let the referring doctor or the patient know.

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