Bipolar Disorder Awareness Training

Bipolar Disorder is a psychological condition that affects sufferers with phases of both mania and depression. Where mania often manifests as energy, restlessness and impulsive behaviours, depression results in lethargy, low mood and helplessness. These emotional changes can occur very rapidly and often affect energy, behaviour and ability to function day-to-day.

Some of the effects of this condition are feelings of irritability, aggression, guilt, sadness, worthlessness and disinterest in activities that a person suffering with bipolar disorder normally enjoys. It is also possible for an individual with bipolar disorder to have contrasting feelings not long after/before those negative ones, so it is possible to feel like they are in an excessively good mood, hyperactive and easily distracted.

Individuals with bipolar disorder may be at a heightened risk of substance abuse or of hurting themselves, financial or occupational difficulties, or issues related to risky behaviours such as reckless spending or unsafe actions.

Currently, it is impossible to diagnose bipolar disorder through blood tests or brain scans, so it is only possible to diagnose it through symptoms, course of illness and family history. There are several different types of bipolar disorder, depending on how symptoms present (and how long for):

• • • Bipolar 1 – The individual has experienced at least one episode of mania that lasted longer than one week.
    • Bipolar 2 – The individual has experienced at least one depressive episode and exhibited symptoms of hypomania.
    • Cyclothymia – The individual has experienced both hypomania and depression, though symptoms are less severe than bipolar 1 or 2.
    • Rapid cycling bipolar – The individual has experienced 4 or more episodes within a year, and may feel stable for a few weeks between episodes.
    • Bipolar with mixed features – This can combine with bipolar 1 or 2 where individuals experience symptoms at the same time or rapidly after one another.
    • Bipolar with seasonal pattern – This can combine with bipolar 1 or 2 where individuals are impacted by the time of year or seasons.
    • Unspecified bipolar – The individual’s symptoms do not fit into the diagnostic categories of other types of bipolar disorder.

No, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. However, the condition can be treated with psychotherapy and medications, which can help manage symptoms. Bipolar disorder requires continuous treatment, otherwise it can become difficult to control the symptoms and how it affects the individual. A person with bipolar disorder should never end any treatment without medical supervision.

This Bipolar Awareness course covers a range of topics, starting with an initial introduction to the condition, which covers the causes, symptoms and diagnosis criteria of bipolar – before taking a deeper look at the challenges people with bipolar disorder encounter, both resulting from their condition and societal influences. Learners will develop a good understanding of how to effectively support individuals with bipolar disorder and how the condition may be treated.

This training is primarily aimed towards staff who work with individuals with bipolar disorder, such as those working in the care, social services and childcare industries.