Information and resources for people living with bipolar disorder in Australia and their families.
Information and resources for people living with bipolar disorder in Australia and their families.
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What is bipolar disorder?
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by periods of depression and mania and/or hypomania. It affects about 1-2% of people globally.
There are several types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I disorder - defined by the presence if a lifetime manic episode.
Bipolar II disorder - defined by the presence of a lifetime hypomanic episode and a period of depression.
Cyclothymia - defined by periods of less intense highs and lows.
Most people experience depression first, with this occurring during the early teens. Although many people experience their first hypomanic or manic episodes in their 20s, it is not uncommon to develop bipolar disorder earlier or later in life. Many people living with bipolar disorder report that they experience anxiety symptoms first, before depression or hypo/mania often during childhood.
Diagnosis is made on the basis of a clinical interview undertaken by trained practitioners. In Australia usually a psychiatrist will make a formal diagnosis of bipolar disorder. A diagnosis will be made based on the diagnostic criteria, usually the DSM-5 or the ICD 11.
In Australia, most people living with bipolar disorder will be diagnosed with a sub-type of either Bipolar I or Bipolar II disorder, however people who were diagnosed prior to the acknowledgement of Bipolar II disorder may have had a historical diagnosis of 'Manic Depression'.
To obtain an accurate diagnosis in Australia, it is recommended that you obtain your diagnosis from a psychiatrist directly.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms of bipolar disorder that are unique to this condition include mania and hypomania however people living with Schizoaffective disorder may also experience mania as part of their condition.
Mania is defined by the presence of a
Although bipolar disorder is diagnosed on the basis of hypo/mania most people experience depression more frequently.
An epsiode of depression includes a period of 2 weeks or more:
However, many
Causes
Causes
There is no known direct cause of bipolar disorder. Research indicates that bipolar disorder has a genetic basis with the heritability rate being estimated at around xyz %.
However, although
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Treatment
Treatment
Diagnosis is made on the basis of a clinical interview undertaken by trained practitioners. In Australia usually a psychiatrist will make a formal diagnosis of bipolar disorder, due to the need for medication in the majority of instances.
A diagnosis will be made based on the diagnostic criteria, usually the DSM-5 or the ICD 11.
In Australia, most people living with bipolar disorder will be diagnosed with a subtype of either bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. Clinicians may also use structured clinical assessment tools. To obtain an accurate diagnosis in Australia, it is recommended that you obtain your diagnosis from a psychiatrist directly.
Getting help
Getting help
Please note that the Bipolar Hub does not provide crisis support.
Local GPs will have a list of local psychiatrists that they will be able to refer to for a diagnosis and assessment. However some prefer to contact psychiatrists directly to ensure that they have places available and to consider waiting lists. It is not uncommon for many to have waiting lists of a few months or longer in some instances. See the Getting Help section for links.
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