Bipolar Disorder

The "Bipolar Disorder" course is structured into five units, each providing a deep dive into various aspects of bipolar disorder diagnosis, management, and treatment. This course, presented by Dr. Alice Lam, is designed to equip general practitioners with the necessary knowledge to manage bipolar disorder effectively, while ensuring proper collaboration with mental health specialists.

Unit 1: History, Epidemiology, and Aetiology
This unit provides an overview of the history of bipolar disorder, tracing its origins from ancient Greek medical texts to modern understanding. The epidemiology of bipolar disorder, including global prevalence, diagnostic delays, and the heightened risk of suicide, is discussed. It also covers the genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors contributing to the development of bipolar disorder.

Unit 2: Classification
Participants learn about the World Health Organization’s ICD-11 and the DSM-5 classification systems for bipolar disorder. This unit outlines the differences between Bipolar Type I, Type II, and cyclothymic disorder, as well as the characteristics of manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes. Early warning signs, such as prodromal symptoms, are also highlighted.

Unit 3: Clinical Features
In this unit, the course covers the key clinical features of bipolar disorder, such as mood instability, psychosis, and the risk of suicide. The session includes an in-depth discussion of the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (BDRS), which are used to assess the severity of manic and depressive symptoms. The challenges of distinguishing bipolar depression from unipolar depression are also addressed​

Unit 4: Management
This unit focuses on the management principles for different phases of bipolar disorder, including mania, hypomania, and bipolar depression. Case studies illustrate the practical application of these principles, emphasising the importance of risk assessment and individualised treatment plans. Key management strategies, such as mood stabilisers and antipsychotics, are outlined, as well as the role of psychosocial interventions​.

Unit 5: Pharmacotherapy
The final unit provides a detailed exploration of pharmacotherapy for bipolar disorder, focusing on medications such as lithium, valproate, and second-generation antipsychotics. The course addresses the complexities of managing bipolar disorder during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as the monitoring requirements for patients on mood stabilisers. The session concludes with a review of dietary supplements and their role in supporting bipolar disorder management​.

This course offers essential knowledge for healthcare providers looking to enhance their expertise in diagnosing and managing bipolar disorder, ensuring better patient care and outcomes.