PRESS CONFERENCE - 4/10/2011 - The Greek version of the guide “Learning to live with bipolar Disorder” was presented to the public

A European initiative for mental illness that does not make any discrimination

The first official presentation of the Greek version of the guide “Learning to live with Bipolar Disorder” was held on Tuesday, 4th of October, at  Aigli, Zappion, as part of the World Mental Health Day. The event was organized by the Panhellenic Association of Families for Mental Health (SOPSI).

The Greek version of the guide was edited by Mrs. Marina Economou-Lalioti, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Athens, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of SOPSI and member of the organizing committee of the publication.  

The panel of speakers was composed by Mr. George N. Papadimitriou, Professor of Psychiatry, Director of the first Psychiatric Clinic of Medical School, University of Athens and Mr. Petros Andronikos, President of the Panhellenic Association of Families for Mental Health

What is Bipolar Disorder

• Bipolar Disorder, which was formerly known by the term “manic- depressive disorder”, is a common, chronic and relapsing mental illness which is characterized mainly by an impairment in emotional functioning.
• It is defined by the presence of unusual swifts in mood, which affects cognition, activity levels and overall behavior.
• Main characteristic is the shift between phases of mania and phases of depression. The events are usually separated by periods of “normal” mood (normothymia).
• It is a fact that people experience shifts in their mood, which depend on a large extent at various environmental stimuli. These shifts are normal and they usually fluctuate between the emotion of joy and the emotion of sadness. They can be presented in a range of shades and variations.
• In Bipolar Disorder, however, mood swings are very different in intensity and duration and usually become extreme, from an overly joyful or overexcited, euphoric state, which can take the form of mania, to an extremely sad or hopeless state, which can take the form of depression.
• However, Bipolar Disorder can now be effectively treated and the person can have a normal and creative life.

Causes

So far, a specific etiological factor has not been isolated and identified. On the contrary, many biological, psychological and social factors, that interact with each other are considered to contribute to the onset of Bipolar Disorder. The fact is, however, that the disorder has a biological background with a documented hereditary involvement.

Symptoms

Bipolar Disorder can start either with a depressive episode or with an episode of mania. In any case, most of the times the first symptoms appear gradually.

Sympoms of mania

At the one pole of Bipolar Disorder is mania. Euphoria, which is the characteristic symptom of the manic phase, goes far beyond the limits of normality and it becomes pathological. Diagnosis is made when at least three of the following symptoms occur simultaneously, accompanied by an euphoric or irritable mood and being present most of the day, almost every day and last more than a week.

Symptoms of a manic episode include:

• Overly happy or outgoing mood
• Increase in energy
• Irritability, agitation
• Thinking and talking very fast, jumping from one topic to another, having racing thoughts
• Distractability and difficulty in paying attention
• Decreased need for sleep
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, having an unrealistic belief in one’s abilities
• Decrease of critical thinking, which affects contact with reality
• Highly consuming behavior, reckless spending
• Sexual hyperactivity, sexual indiscretions
• Alchohol or drug abuse
• Inability to recognize the severity of the situation

Symptoms of depression

At the opposite pole of mania is depression. However, in order for someone to be diagnosed with depression, five of the following symptoms must be present, the first two being necessary, most of the day, for at least two weeks and in an, almost, regular basis. Usually these symptoms are most evident in the morning and diminish towards the end of the day. 

Symptoms of a depressive episode include:

• Depressed mood, with or without anxiety
• Loss of interest on activities once enjoyed
• Feelings of helplessness, pessimism or despair
• Excessive or inappropiate guilt, feelings of worthlessness
• Loss of energy, fatigue
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness
• Sleep disturbances
• Change in eating, appetite, or weight
• Diminished sexual interest
• Thinking of death or suicide, attempting suicide

Treatment

The treatment of Bipolar Disorder is a challenging and difficult task. Although there is no cure for Bipolar Disorder there are several ways that can help the patient not only improve his/her condition but also to remain to this condition for a long time.

Medications

Pharmacotherapy is the cornestone for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder. Studies of the last 20 years have shown that patients who receive appropiate medication remain well for a longer period of time, compared to those who don’t receive any medication.

The aim of medication is not only to treat the acute symptoms but also to prevent relapses and help maintain a good status.

Medication for Bipolar Disorder still remains in a phase of development – new drugs, new combinations are, constantly, added to the therapeutic arsenal.

Psychosocial Interventions

In conjuction with medications, psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions can contribute to a thorough and integrated treatment of Bipolar Disorder.

Among them, psychoeducation is a modern therapeutic intervention, which especially for Bipolar Disorder provides:

• Information about the illness
• Skills training which helps the recognition of early symptoms, the treatment of  specific symptoms of each phase, the systematic intake of medication, the treatment of stress and the problems caused by the illness, which affect family and occupational functioning.
• Support to deal with the chronicity of the illness and stigmatization

Psychoeducation is particularly useful both for the person with Bipolar Disorder as well as his/her family.

Bipolar Disorder can now be effectively treated with
new medications, taking proper medication in every
phase of the illness, with psychoeducation and
with psychological support.