Researching of Bipolar and Related Disorders

Discuss your chosen diagnosis of bipolar and related disorders. Discuss the differences between your chosen disorder and other bipolar and related disorder in relation to diagnostic criteria, including the presentation of symptoms according to DSM 5 TR criteria. Discuss special populations and considerations (children, adolescents, older adults, pregnancy/postpartum, emergency care) for your chosen bipolar and related disorder. Discuss FDA and clinical practice guidelines approved pharmacological treatment options in relation to acute and mixed episodes vs. pharmacological maintenance treatment for the chosen bipolar disorder.

Analyze the case. Marcus, an 18-year-old high school senior, presents with symptoms of difficulty sleeping and feeling sad, which result in an initial diagnosis of depression. However, his mother later reports that Marcus exhibits irritability and risk-taking behaviors (his little brother reported to his mother that they were driving over 90 miles an hour on the highway). After further evaluation, Marcus’ psychiatric nurse practitioner diagnoses him with bipolar disorder. Cases like this are not uncommon with bipolar disorder, as initial assessments rarely provide all the information needed. In your role as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you must develop strategies for properly assessing and diagnosing these patients because treatments for bipolar disorder are significantly different than treatments for depression or other mood disorders.