Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder.
2. Identify the concepts of diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.
3. Know the difference between bipolar disorder and other illnesses; be able to complete a differential diagnosis.
4. Understand the concept of bipolar disorder as a life long condition necessitating psychotherapy, medication and psychoeducation.
5. Explore counter transference issues regarding bipolar disorder;
6. Understand the high risk of suicide in people with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mood disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, from depressive lows to manic highs.

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) has divided bipolar disorder into two types, Bipolar I, the more severe form, and Bipolar II, the "milder" form. In addition, the DSM-IV lists as separate disorders "Cyclothymia," which could be described as an even milder version of bipolar, and schizoaffective disorder, which borders on schizophrenia.

The following topics will be discussed in this 8 unit training:

• Bipolar disorder and adults
• Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder
• Implications for Treatment
• Symptoms
• Support Groups
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Hypomania
• Depression and a Major Depressive Episode
• Mixed Episode
• Living with Bipolar Disorder
• Wellness Checklist
• Nutrition
• Triggers
• Treatment Contract
• Changed Outcome with Mood Stabilizer Treatment
• Psychoeducation, Psychotherapy and Life Style
• Psychosocial interventions
• Family Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
• Cognitive Therapy
• Bipolar Disorder in Children
• Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder
• Symptoms of bipolar disorder in children
• Symptoms of bipolar disorder in adolescents
• Bipolar I.
• Cyclothymia
• Is substance abuse and addiction related to bipolar disorder?
• What role does genetics or family history play in bipolar disorder?
• The parent's role in treatment Medication
• Educational needs of a child with bipolar disorder
• The different types of bipolar disorder
• The difference between bipolar, ADHD and conduct Disorder
• What to do if your client may be bipolar
• The role of a Psychiatrist
• Medications and treatment
• Antidepressants
• Sexual dysfunction
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Drugs and alcohol with bipolar medications
• Cognitive therapy
• Other types of psychotherapy
• ECT
• Psychiatric Advance Directive
• Alternative or complementary treatments for bipolar
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Acupuncture
• Religious or spiritual practice
• Coping day to day
• Suicidal crisis
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Side effects from medications
• Personal stories about living with Bipolar Disease