Bipolar Disorder: Educational Tool for Patients, Families, and Support

This educational tool aims to improve the understanding of Bipolar Disorder among patients and their families, addressing the prevalent educational gap in the community. It covers the symptoms of both mania and depression, how the disorder can affect individuals if left untreated, and diagnostic methods. The report details various treatment options, including medications and psychotherapy, and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes for managing symptoms. It also provides practical tips for patients and their families on how to cope with the disorder, recognize early warning signs, and seek support from relevant organizations. The conclusion underscores the significance of education and treatment in enabling patients to lead positive and fulfilling lives, encouraging equal attention to mental and physical health.

Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for
Patients and Family Members

Aim of the
Educational
ToolThe aim of this
Educational Tool is to
educate patients and
their respective
friends and family on
the symptoms,
diagnosis and
treatment
intervention
strategies of Bipolar
Disorder, along with
tips for support and
coping for better

Objectives of the Educational
Tool•To improve existing understanding of Bipolar
Disorder among patients and their associated
friends and family members.
•To eradicate the existing educational gap on the
understanding of Bipolar Disorders in the
community.
•To impart information on coping and support
strategies for improved management of Bipolar
Disorder.

Target Population and Reason
for Selection
The target population for the Educational Tool
will include non-clinical subjects such as patients
suffering from Bipolar Disorder, along with their
friends and family. The reason for such target
population selection is the prevalent educational
gap concerning the seriousness of Bipolar
Disorder (Nicholas et al. 2010).

Educational
Gap
It has been observed
many individuals lack
knowledge Bipolar
Disorder, and regard it
more as a character
disorder rather than a
mental illness (Nicholas
et al. 2010). Patients
often avoid consultation
due to stigma and shame,
which may increase the
severity of the condition
and the risk of suicide.
Hence, this educational
tool intends to reduce this
gap and increase
awareness concerning the

What is Bipolar
Disorder?
•Bipolar Disorder is a type
of mental illness where an
individual suffers from
extreme and unpredictable
mood swings, which often
goes out of control and
affects functions of daily
life.
•Individuals often switch
between periods of lows
(depression) and highs
(mania) with normal mood
in between.
•This mental condition is

Causes
While the exact
cause of Bipolar
Disorder is
unknown, the
following can be
considered as
causes (Ferrai et
al. 2016):
•Traumatic life
situations
•Belonging in a
family with a
history of Bipolar

Symptoms
Different people
face different
symptoms of
Bipolar Disorder.
However, the
major symptoms
include (Cretu et
al. 2016):
•Mania

Mania
This is an intense emotion of excitement, happiness,
anger or irritation, with symptoms like (Hafeman et al.
2016):
•Thinking or talking very fast.
•Difficulty to concentrate.
•Difficulty to sleep.
•Feeling very happy, excited or confident with oneself.
•Feeling extremely energetic than usual.
•Inability to judge, likely to undertake dangerous
behaviors.

Depression
Here the individual feels
extremely upset emotionally, and
can show symptoms such as
(Miller et al. 2016):
•No enthusiasm of energy to
participate in activities which he
or she likes.
•A tendency to hurt oneself or
end his or her life.
•Losing interest to sleep or eat.
•Difficulty to concentrate.
•Blaming oneself or feeling sad.

How it Affect
People?
If not treated, Bipolar
Disorder can affect people
by (Modabbernia et al.
2016):
•Disturbing their energy
and functioning at work.
•Creating conflicts with
loved ones.
•Increasing one’s
thoughts or interest to
commit suicide or harm
oneself.
•Increasing chances to

Diagnosis
If an individual experiences any of the above symptoms
for more than a week, then he or she must consult a
doctor or a psychiatrist who will look for other
symptoms. The doctor can check for these symptoms,
diagnostic tools such as (Axelson et al. 2015):
•Mental Health Evaluation
•Physical Examination
•Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
•Mood Journal