BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme changes in mood, with alternating periods of extreme happiness (mania) and extreme sadness (depression).

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Causes of bipolar disorder

• Bipolar disorder may have a genetic link, it seems to run in families.
• There may be a physical cause related to brain systems that control mood.
• Stress can trigger an episode.
• Bipolar disorder generally starts between the ages of 15 to 19.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

• Symptoms fall under two categories, mania and depression.
• Manic symptoms include: not sleeping, being over active, talking very quickly, jumping from one idea to another, feeling more important than usual and being unaware of how unwell they are.
• Depressive symptoms include, negative thoughts, being unable to make decisions, loss of confidence, agitation and restlessness and being unable to concentrate.
• Sufferers can also have psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and feelings of exaggerated self-worth, or no self-worth.

Treatment of bipolar disorder

• Medication is used to treat manic and depressive symptoms. The most common medications are anti-depressants and lithium. Anti -psychotic medication is used for treating manic episodes.
• Talking therapies such as CBT may also be prescribed for helping with manic and depressive moods.
• Psycho - education for the student and their family is important to help them understand the condition and recognise symptoms, so that treatment can be sought quickly.

Supporting students with bipolar disorder

Returning to school

• If students are admitted to a specialist unit or hospital following an acute episode then liaise with the family and the hospital teaching team to plan for their return to school.
• Attend a discharge planning meeting or arrange a meeting at school, with input from the medical team, to plan the student’s return to school.
• Complete an individual healthcare plan.
• Discuss medication side effects.
• Discuss with the student what they want staff and fellow students to know about their absence and condition.
• Ensure the SENCO and Form Tutor understands what bipolar disorder is and how it might affect the student. Reliable and accurate information is vital.

Managing school work

• For some students the onset of bipolar disorder may change what they are able to achieve academically. This may be distressing for the student and family.
• Discuss the option of deferment of exams if the student falls ill during years 11 and 13.
• Help the student with organisational skills, as well as catching up with academic work.
• Be flexible about homework and deadlines during periods when a student may not be sleeping well or able to concentrate.
• If possible record or provide lesson notes for when a student may have difficulty concentrating in lessons.
• Supportively discuss course options if it becomes clear the student is not managing.

Ongoing Support

• Help the student manage their workload to help reduce a build-up of stress.
• Check in regularly and allow the student time to discuss their concerns.
• Consider allocating a learning mentor after discussing support needs with the student and family.
• Contact parents/carers if a change in behaviour is observed, for example, appearing low in mood or elated.
• Allow a student to start school a little later if they are having trouble sleeping.
• Agree a plan for when a student feels agitated and unsettled. This might be access to an agreed room with a supportive staff member.
• Arrange access to drinking water and use of toilet.

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