Bipolar Disorder

Exam Cram

Outline

Background 

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria: 

History:

Examination:

Ix

Differentials

Management

1. Lithium

2. Atypical antipsychotics: if unable to take medication/ risk to self or others or 'acutely manic'

3. Olanzapine: mood stabilising benefits if lithium not tolerated

Comments

• Consider stopping antidepressants if new diagnosis of bipolar supersedes depression diagnosis

• Frustrating lack of consistency on MCQ between which is first line in an acutely manic individual ( I normally go with lithium)

Deeper Dive

References

Created in 2024. Produced off FOAM basis: free, open access, medical education. This is not clinical advice, education for multiple choice questions only! Produced to the best of the author's ability. Any issues please contact contact: MunroMedics@gmail.com