Bipolar disorder is a unique disorder that causes shifts in mood and energy, which results in depression and mania for patients. Proper diagnosis of this disorder is often a challenge for two reasons: 1) patients often present as depressive or manic but may have both; and 2) many symptoms of bipolar disorder are similar to other disorders. Misdiagnosis is common, making it essential for you to have a deep understanding of the disorder’s pathophysiology. For this Assignment, as you examine the patient case study in this week’s Learning Resources, consider how you might assess and treat patients presenting with bipolar disorder.
For this assignment, you will write a 5–6-page paper on the topic of bipolar and bipolar and related disorders. You will create this guide as an assignment; therefore, a title page, introduction, conclusion, and reference page are required. You must include a minimum of 3 scholarly supporting resources outside of your course provided resources.
In your paper, you will choose one of the following diagnoses: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder, Substance/Medication-Induced Bipolar and Related Disorder, Bipolar and Related Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition. Your paper will include discussion for your chosen diagnosis of bipolar and related disorder on the following:
- Prevalence and Neurobiology of your chosen disorder
- Discuss the differences between your chosen disorder and one other bipolar and related disorders in relation to the diagnostic criteria including presentation of symptoms according to DSM 5 TR criteria
- Discuss special populations and considerations (children, adolescents, pregnancy/post-partum, older adult, emergency care) for your chosen bipolar and related disorder; demonstrating critical thinking beyond basics of HIPPA and informed consent with discussion of at least one for EACH category: legal considerations, ethical considerations, cultural considerations, social determinants of health
- Discuss FDA and/or clinical practice guidelines approved pharmacological treatment options in relation to acute and mixed episodes vs maintenance pharmacological treatment for your chosen bipolar and related disorder
- Of the medication treatment options for your chosen disorder discuss side effects, FDA approvals and warnings. What is important to monitor in terms of labs, comorbid medical issues with why important for monitoring
- Provide 3 examples of how to write a proper prescription that you would provide to the patient or transmit to the pharmacy.
* cyclothymic disorder is the topic for this paper
*a file is attached with grading rubric and paper template that is to be followed
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that causes severe shifts in mood and energy levels. Patients experience episodes of both depression and mania, that make it challenging to diagnose the disorder. In this assignment, we will explore how to effectively assess and treat patients with bipolar and related disorders, with a focus on Cyclothymic Disorder. This paper will discuss the prevalence and neurobiology of Cyclothymic Disorder, its comparison with other bipolar and related disorders, special populations, pharmacological treatment options, medication side effects, and proper prescription writing.
1. What is the focus of this assignment?
The focus of this assignment is to explore the diagnosis and treatment of patients with bipolar and related disorders, with a specific focus on Cyclothymic Disorder. The assignment requires a 5-6-page paper discussing the prevalence and neurobiology, comparison with other bipolar disorders, special populations, pharmacological treatment options, medication side effects, and proper prescription writing.
2. Why is it challenging to diagnose bipolar disorder?
It is challenging to diagnose bipolar disorder due to several reasons. Patients may present with symptoms of depression or mania, which often makes it difficult to differentiate between unipolar depression and bipolar disorder. Besides, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can overlap with symptoms of other mental health conditions, further complicating the diagnosis. Misdiagnosis is frequent, and it is essential to have a deep understanding of bipolar disorder’s pathophysiology to make accurate diagnoses.
3. What are the key aspects that the paper should cover?
The paper should cover the prevalence and neurobiology of Cyclothymic Disorder, its comparison with other bipolar and related disorders, special populations, pharmacological treatment options, medication side effects, and proper prescription writing. Additionally, the paper should include a title page, introduction, conclusion, and reference page. A minimum of three scholarly resources outside of the course provided resources is also required.
4. What is the assigned diagnosis for the paper?
The assigned diagnosis for the paper is Cyclothymic Disorder. The paper should discuss the specifics of this disorder, including its prevalence and neurobiology, differential diagnosis, special populations, pharmacological treatment options, medication side effects, and proper prescription writing.
5. What are the challenges associated with treating special populations with bipolar disorder?
Special populations with bipolar disorder pose unique challenges for healthcare providers. Children, adolescents, and pregnant or post-partum women require different treatment approaches due to the potential risks of medication on fetal or child development. Older adults may be more susceptible to medication side effects, and emergency care situations require immediate and appropriate treatment to prevent severe consequences. Cultural considerations, legal, ethical, and socio-economic factors also play a critical role in the delivery of care for special populations.