BIPOLAR DISORDER
Skip to main content

Bipolar Disorder

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

Causes of bipolar disorder

  • The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, however it is suggested from research that it can be linked to a combination of physical, environmental and social factors. Bipolar disorder may also have a genetic link as it seems to run in families.

  • Some of the suggested risk factors include stress, childhood trauma, medication, alcohol or drugs.

  • There may be a physiological link in that it has been noted that medications which act on neurotransmitters (a chemical hormone) in the brain may improve symptoms. However, it is not known how these neurotransmitters work, so this is not conclusive.

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.
  • Some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder overlap with other mental health conditions, so it can take time to ensure the correct diagnosis is made for an individual.

Treatment of bipolar disorder

  • Medication is used to treat manic and depressive symptoms. Different medicines may be prescribed dependent on whether someone is experiencing mania or depression.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. 
  • Tools to help monitor mood patterns can be useful for self management and for medical care. 
  • 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. Professionals may write a ‘crisis plan’ which would include teams to reach out to for emergency support.
  • Some will be given tools to help monitor mood patterns which can be useful for self-management and for medical care.

How you can help

Supporting students with bipolar disorder

Returning to school

  • If students are admitted to a specialist unit or hospital following an acute episode then liaision with the medical teams, hospital teaching team and family is essential for a successful transition back 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 that staff understand what bipolar disorder is and how it might affect the student, making sure they are aware of medication side effects and symptoms when the individual is experiencing an episode.

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.

  • If the student falls ill during years 11 or 13, a discussion about deferring exams may be helpful or contacting the exam board about extenuating circumstances.

  • Ensure that the student has a member of staff that they can communicate with regarding when they are struggling to keep up with school work, so this can be monitored and shared with relevant teaching staff.

  • Help the student with organisational skills, as well as catching up with academic work in small chunks to prevent overwhelm.

  • Be flexible about homework and deadlines during periods when a student may not be sleeping well or is not able to concentrate.

  • If possible, record or provide lesson notes for when a student may have difficulty concentrating in lessons,working with the student so they are aware of how to and when they can access this.

  • Supportively discuss course options if it becomes clear the student is not managing and write an action plan with the student.

Pastoral Support

  • 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.

  • Agree a plan for when a student feels agitated and unsettled. This might be access to an agreed room with a supportive staff member.

  • Provide flexibility in the timetable to accommodate for when the student is experiencing an episode (e.g a later start time if they are struggling with sleep, breaks from lessons to regulate mood and concentration or use the bathroom/get water etc.)

More Information

Bipolar Disorder