Patient Education: Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes unusual changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. A person may feel very “high” (called mania or hypomania) at times, and very “low” (called depression) at other times. These mood swings are stronger than the normal ups and downs of life.

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

Doctors do not know the exact cause, but several things may play a role:

• Genetics – It can run in families.
  
  

• Brain changes – Differences in brain chemicals may affect mood.
  
  

• Stress or trauma – Difficult life events can trigger symptoms.
  
  

• Drug or alcohol use – These can worsen or bring on episodes.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Mania or Hypomania (High Mood):

• Feeling overly happy, excited, or “wired”
  
  

• Talking very fast
  
  

• Needing little sleep but still having energy
  
  

• Having racing thoughts
  
  

• Taking risks, like spending too much money or unsafe behaviors
  
  

Depression (Low Mood):

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or worthless
  
  

• Sleeping too much or too little
  
  

• Eating too much or too little
  
  

• Trouble focusing
  
  

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  
  

• Thoughts of death or suicide (emergency warning sign)
  
  

Possible Complications if Not Treated

• Trouble at work, school, or in relationships
  
  

• Financial or legal problems from risky actions
  
  

• Alcohol or drug abuse
  
  

• Suicidal thoughts or actions
  
  

Treatment Options

Treatment can help control mood swings and allow patients to live a full life.

• Medicines – Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotics.
  
  

• Therapy – Talking with a counselor can help manage stress and mood.
  
  

• Healthy lifestyle – Regular sleep, healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol or drugs.
  
  

In-Home Care / What You Can Do

• Take medicine exactly as ordered – Do not stop suddenly without the doctor’s advice.
  
  

• Keep a routine – Regular sleep, meals, and exercise.
  
  

• Avoid triggers – Limit stress, avoid drugs and alcohol.
  
  

• Use coping skills – Deep breathing, journaling, or calling a trusted friend.
  
  

• Family support – Loved ones can help monitor moods and encourage treatment.
  
  

Medication Safety and Lab Tests

• Some bipolar medicines require regular blood tests to check for safety and correct levels.
  
  

• Report any side effects to your doctor or nurse.
  
  

• Never skip or double up on doses without medical advice.
  
  

When to Call the Home Health Nurse

Call the home health nurse if you notice:

• Trouble sleeping for several nights in a row
  
  

• Mood swings that are getting worse
  
  

• Side effects from medications (like shaking, stomach upset, or unusual tiredness)
  
  

• Trouble keeping up with daily routines
  
  

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Call immediately if:

• You or your loved one talks about wanting to hurt themselves or others
  
  

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
  
  

• Extreme risky behaviors that may cause harm
  
  

• Not eating, drinking, or sleeping at all for several days
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

True/False Questions

Write True or False before each number:

1. ___ Bipolar disorder causes mood swings that are much stronger than normal ups and downs.
   
   

2. ___ Mania is when a person feels very sad and hopeless.
   
   

3. ___ Genetics may play a role in bipolar disorder.
   
   

4. ___ Stress and drug use can trigger or worsen bipolar symptoms.
   
   

5. ___ During mania, a person may sleep very little and still feel full of energy.
   
   

6. ___ Depression may cause loss of interest in activities a person once enjoyed.
   
   

7. ___ Without treatment, bipolar disorder can lead to problems at work or school.
   
   

8. ___ Therapy and medication are common treatments for bipolar disorder.
   
   

9. ___ A person with bipolar disorder should stop medicine as soon as they feel better.
   
   

10. ___ Keeping a regular routine at home can help manage symptoms.
    
    

11. ___ Alcohol and drug use can make bipolar disorder worse.
    
    

12. ___ Some bipolar medicines may require regular blood tests.
    
    

13. ___ It is safe to change the medication dose without telling the doctor.
    
    

14. ___ Family and friends can help support a person living with bipolar disorder.
    
    

15. ___ A person should call their home health nurse if their moods are getting worse.
    
    

16. ___ Skipping meals and staying up all night are healthy ways to cope with bipolar disorder.
    
    

17. ___ Suicidal thoughts are a warning sign that requires emergency help right away.
    
    

18. ___ Bipolar disorder can be managed with the right treatment.
    
    

19. ___ It is okay to ignore side effects from bipolar medication.
    
    

20. ___ Hallucinations or extreme risky behavior are reasons to go to the ER.
    
    

Individualized Patient Questions

1. What does bipolar disorder mean to you in your own words?
   
   

2. What are two signs you might be going into a manic phase?
   
   

3. Who would you call if you began to have suicidal thoughts?
   
   

4. What are two things you can do at home to help manage your symptoms?
   
   

5. How can your family or caregiver support you?
   
   

Answer Key with Explanations

1. True – Mood swings are stronger than normal ups and downs.
   
   

2. False – Mania is the “high” mood; depression is sadness/hopelessness.
   
   

3. True – Bipolar disorder can run in families.
   
   

4. True – Stress and drugs can trigger episodes.
   
   

5. True – Mania often includes little sleep with high energy.
   
   

6. True – Loss of interest is a common sign of depression.
   
   

7. True – Untreated, it can affect work, school, and relationships.
   
   

8. True – Medicine and therapy are standard treatments.
   
   

9. False – Never stop medicine without doctor’s advice.
   
   

10. True – Routines help keep moods stable.
    
    

11. True – Alcohol and drugs make symptoms worse.
    
    

12. True – Some medicines need blood tests to stay safe.
    
    

13. False – Never change doses without doctor’s approval.
    
    

14. True – Family support is important.
    
    

15. True – Worsening moods should be reported to the nurse.
    
    

16. False – Skipping meals and sleep make symptoms worse.
    
    

17. True – Suicidal thoughts are an emergency.
    
    

18. True – With treatment, bipolar disorder can be managed.
    
    

19. False – Side effects must be reported to a doctor.
    
    

20. True – Hallucinations and risky behavior are emergencies.