Bipolar Disorder For Dummies. Joe Kraynak

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      Icons Used in This Book

      Throughout this book, we sprinkle the following icons in the margins to cue you in to different types of information that you may or may not care to see:

      

If you happen to forget the rest of the stuff in this book, at least remember what we mark with these icons.

      

Tips provide insider insight from behind the scenes. When you’re looking for a better, faster way to do something, check out information flagged with this icon.

      

“Danger, Will Robinson, danger!” This icon appears when you need to be extra vigilant or seek professional help.

      

Throughout the book, we feature cameos of people living with bipolar disorder. This icon shows you where to meet them.

      

This icon points out supplemental (and free) information at www.dummies.com/extras/bipolardisorder.

      Beyond the Book

      Every For Dummies book has a Cheat Sheet chock-full of helpful information that you can refer to on a regular basis. You can find this book’s Cheat Sheet at www.dummies.com/cheatsheet/bipolardisorder.

      We also offer some bonus goodies at www.dummies.com/extras/bipolardisorder. You can read a bonus Part of Tens chapter on ten questions to ask a psychiatrist, a bipolar disorder glossary, and additional articles related to bipolar disorder.

      Where to Go from Here

      Think of this book as an all-you-can-eat buffet. You can grab a plate, start at the beginning, and read one chapter right after another, or you can dip into any chapter and pile your plate high with the information it contains.

      If you want a quick overview of bipolar disorder, check out the chapters in Part I. Before you visit a psychiatrist for a diagnosis, see Chapters 4 and 5 to find out what to expect during the diagnostic process. For information and insight into the medications used to treat bipolar disorder, head to Chapter 7. Turn to the chapters in Part IV for self-help strategies. If you have a friend or family member with bipolar, skip to Part VI. Use the index to look up any bipolar term you’re unfamiliar with and find out where we cover it in the book. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll find plenty of useful information.

Part I

      Getting Started on Your Bipolar Journey

      

Visit www.dummies.com for free content that helps you learn more and do more. You can also access a list of commonly used terms and their definitions at www.dummies.com/extras/bipolardisorder.

       In this part …

      ✔ Understand what bipolar disorder is and what it isn’t according to the diagnostic categories spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) – the book psychiatrists look to when developing their diagnosis.

      ✔ Explore genetic and nongenetic factors, such as physical and emotional stress, that likely team up to trigger the manic and depressive episodes characteristic of bipolar disorder.

      ✔ Take a look inside the different parts of the brain to understand the biology of bipolar disorder.

      ✔ Get a bird’s-eye view of the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder, so you know what’s involved and the sort of outcome you can expect when treatment proceeds according to plan.

Chapter 1

      Grasping Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis

      When you initially encounter bipolar disorder, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is, “What is it?” The short answer is this: Bipolar disorder is a medical illness characterized by alternating periods of abnormally elevated and depressed mood. The second question that most people ask is, “Can I get tested for it?” And the short answer is no. Doctors arrive at a diagnosis by conducting a physical and mental status examination; taking a close look at a person’s symptoms, medical history, and family history; and ruling out other possible causes. For guidance, doctors use a book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which presents the diagnostic criteria for determining whether a person is likely to have bipolar disorder.

      This chapter digs deep into the DSM to reveal what bipolar disorder is and isn’t. It describes what elevated and depressed moods look like and provides you with the details you need to tell the difference between the various bipolar diagnoses, including bipolar I, bipolar II, and a form of bipolar called rapid-cycling. We discuss diagnostic specifiers that enable doctors to more precisely describe a person’s symptoms and inform his treatment decisions. We distinguish bipolar disorder from conditions that may have similar symptoms and discuss other conditions that commonly accompany bipolar disorder, such as alcoholism and substance use disorder. We wrap up with a discussion of the challenges of diagnosing bipolar in children and young adults.

      Cracking Open the Diagnostic Manual: DSM-5

      When a doctor in the United States diagnoses a mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, she turns to the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for guidance. This manual defines numerous patterns of symptoms and illnesses that are supported by scientific research and a consensus among a wide variety of experts. During the writing of this book, the APA recommends using DSM-5, the fifth edition, which was published in May 2013. Don’t be surprised if you see references to earlier editions, particularly DSM-IV, the fourth edition.

      Throughout this chapter, we describe the symptoms of bipolar disorder according to the diagnostic criteria presented in DSM-5. Although the fundamental criteria haven’t changed all that much from DSM-IV to DSM-5, some of the language has been modified and criteria have been added to help doctors СКАЧАТЬ