NRSG263 Bipolar Disorder Part 2

Flashcards about Bipolar Disorder

Mood Stabilizer

Treat and prevent acute depression and mania.

Phase-specific treatments

Treat aspects within the condition.

Lithium

Gold standard, first-line treatment for Bipolar Disorder.

Side effects of Lithium

Tremor, hypothyroidism, weight gain, sedation.

Lithium Toxicity

Potentially lethal & requires ongoing serum level monitoring.

Sodium Valproate

A rapid onset medication that is well tolerated and similar to Lithium in the manic phase.

Side effects of Sodium Valproate

Weight gain, sedation, acne, hair loss, GI upset (N,V &D), Pancreatitis, PCOS.

Lamotrigine

Efficacy in managing Depression and Bipolar Disorder II. Modest antidepressant therapy

Side effects of Lamotrigine

Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, N, V & D, tremor, blurred vision, confusion, rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).

Carbamazepine

Usually used when other antimanics have failed.

Side effects of Carbamazepine

Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, fatigue & nausea.

Early Warning Signs of relapse

Sleep disturbance, Psychotic symptoms, Mood change, Psychomotor symptoms, Appetite changes, Increased levels of anxiety.

Common Challenges during the Mental State Examination (Mania)

Difficulty finding periods to interrupt conversation or being able to ask questions, Issues with following consumers train of thought, Irritability, Poor concentration and distractibility.