PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

BD causes many imbalances

• Hormonal imbalances
• Neuron/neurotransmitter changes
• Emotional imbalances
• Behavioral changes
• Cognitive changes
• .

BD causes many imbalances

• Imbalances may occur only during episodes
• Altered sleep & arousal
• Changes in appetite & energy
• Sexual dysfunction
• .

stress

• Stimulation of sympathetic nervous system
• Stimulation of endocrine system (HPA-axis & cortisol)
• Stimulation of immune system (pro-inflammatory cytokines)
• .

general course of bipolar disorder

• Hard to diagnose
• Few biomarkers
• Diagnosis based on ONE manic episode
• Genetics
• Subsets of BD = great variation
• .

onset of bipolar disorder

• Combination of genetics, trauma, stress, chemical imbalances
• Severe depression typically precedes mania
• No specific or predictive measures
• .

pattern and duration of episodes

• Depressive episodes generally longer than manic episodes
• Episodes generally abrupt
• Manic episode = 5 years after first depressive episode
• .

frequency and intensity

• Frequency & intensity varies
• Neuroprogression = more episodes
• Effects of drugs
• Pregnancy & postpartum
• .

bipolar ii and Nos

• BD II similar to BD I
• BD NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)
• Other forms of BD
• .

long-term outcome

• Lifetime condition
• Premature morbidity
• Many comorbidities
• .