Bipolar Disorder - Differential Diagnoses

 Following organic and functional disorders might mimic symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

• Anxiety disorders (ex. generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder etc.)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Cushing's disease/ syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Schizo-affective disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Ref: 

1. World Health Organization(WHO). (1993). The ICD-10 classification of mental and behavioural disorders. World Health Organization.
2. Price AL, Marzani-Nissen GR. Bipolar disorders: a review. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Mar 1. 85(5):483-93

Bipolar Disorder - Types (DSM-5)

 Bipolar Disorder, as per the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.), includes the following types

1. Bipolar 1 : this is diagnosed when symptoms of mania last 7 days or more. Also, can be diagnosed when an individual has severe mania which requires hospitalization. 
2. Bipolar 2 : diagnosed when an individual has symptoms of hypomania, preceded or followed by a major depressive episode
3. Cyclothymic disorder : Includes symptoms of hypomania and depression that last for 2 years or more in adults, not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of the above 2 conditions. 

Ref:

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Bipolar Disorder - Introduction

 It is a psychological disorder, coded as F31 in ICD 10 [1], characterized by unusual and pervasive changes in their mood. A person suffering from biploar disorder can go from feeling extremely sad to feeling extremely happy within a few days or in some case, in a few hours. 

Symptoms of this disorder are spread over a spectrum. Someone with severe symptoms, is easy to diagnose while diagnosing someone who is on the lower side of this spectrum is challenging. 

Ref:

1. World Health Organization(WHO). (1993). The ICD-10 classification of mental and behavioural disorders. World Health Organization.