Bipolar Disorder Glossary

acute

Relatively short but severe, as in an “acute mood episode.”

adjunctive

Complementary to the main treatment.

affective disorder

A category of psychiatric disorders that includes depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Affect is a medical term for “mood.”

akathisia

Severe restlessness; a possible side effect of certain medications, especially some of the antipsychotics.

anticonvulsant

A class of medications developed primarily to prevent epileptic seizures. Many anticonvulsants, including valproate (Depakote) and carbamazepine (Tegretol), are also useful in treating mania.

antidepressant

A class of medications that have proved effective in treating the symptoms of depression.

antipsychotic

A class of medications originally developed to reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic episodes, which sometimes occur during mania or depression. Antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel), have also proved useful in treating the core symptoms of depression or mania and the agitation that accompanies mood episodes.

bipolar disorder

A psychiatric condition characterized by extreme mood states of mania and depression. A person may have bipolar disorder even if he has experienced only one of the extreme mood states, making diagnosis very challenging.

bipolar I

A type of bipolar disorder characterized by at least one full-blown manic episode that doctors can’t attribute to another cause, such as a medication or substance abuse. A bipolar I diagnosis doesn’t require an episode of major depression.

bipolar II

A type of bipolar disorder characterized by at least one major depressive episode that doctors can’t attribute to another cause, along with one or more hypomanic episodes. The depression tends to be chronic and is usually more problematic than the hypomania. Some people with bipolar II develop a full-blown manic episode, at which point the diagnosis changes to bipolar I.

bipolar NEC (not elsewhere classified)

A type of bipolar disorder listed in the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that’s characterized by hypomanic, manic, or depressive episodes that don’t fit in any of the other bipolar categories and can’t be ascribed to unipolar depression.

bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified)

A type of bipolar disorder listed in the fourth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) that’s characterized by hypomanic, manic, or depressive episodes that don’t fit in any of the other bipolar categories and can’t be ascribed to unipolar depression.

circadian rhythm

An individual’s biological pattern of sleep, wakefulness, and energy that plays out through the course of a day. Some studies show that irregularities in a person’s circadian rhythm can destabilize moods.

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

A therapy that attempts to identify negative thoughts and thought processes and their resulting behaviors and then to retrain individuals to think and act more positively. Several studies show that CBT is highly effective for treating some forms of depression.

comorbid

Any medical condition that presents along with and often independent from another condition. People who have bipolar disorder can have other comorbid conditions — such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), alcoholism, or anxiety disorder — that complicate the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.

cyclothymia

Sometimes referred to as bipolar lite, cyclothymia is a muted form of bipolar disorder that nevertheless interferes with a person’s life. It involves multiple episodes of hypomania and depressive symptoms, which don’t meet the criteria for mania or major depression. Symptoms must last for at least two years, during which time there are no more than two symptom-free months.

deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Electronic stimulation of targeted areas of the brain that has some evidence of helping to reduce the symptoms of treatment resistant depression (TRD).

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

The bible of psychiatry, at least in the U.S., that describes various syndromes and conditions and the symptoms that must be present to establish a particular diagnosis. DSM is very similar to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) used in most countries outside the U.S.

differential diagnosis

The process of distinguishing between two or more diseases or conditions that feature identical or similar symptoms. A doctor commonly performs a differential diagnosis to rule out other possibilities.

dopamine

Generally considered the feel-good neurotransmitter, dopamine is linked to feelings of pleasure. It modulates attention and focus, as well as muscle movements, and is related to psychosis.

dysthymia

Chronic, low-level depression, commonly characterized by irritability and an inability to feel pleasure or joy.

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A medical procedure in which a low-level electrical current is applied to the brain to induce a mild seizure in order to treat depression. ECT is often successful in treating depression that doesn’t respond to medicine or therapy or when patients prefer it to the other treatment choices. ECT can also be an effective treatment for mania.

epigenetics

The study of the changes that affect the expression of genes but don’t change the genes themselves.

essential fatty acid (EFA)

A healthy fat that your body uses for tissue development and other purposes and that you must obtain through diet. Omega-3 is a source of several EFAs that may be valuable in treating many health problems, including mood disorders.

euthymic

Moods considered to be in the normal range — not manic or depressive.

executive function

The ability to organize, sort, and manage incoming information and make decisions. Many psychiatric disorders weaken executive functioning, often leading to impaired judgment and uninhibited behavior.

expressed emotion

A term used by researchers to describe expressions of criticism or conflict that can have negative effects on people with mood disorders or other mental illness.

gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

An amino acid neurotransmitter that can either cool down or excite brain cells, depending on other chemicals surrounding it.

glutamate

A neurotransmitter that’s involved in revving up the central nervous system. Glutamate circuits may play a significant role in the development of mania and depression.

G-protein-linked receptors

The most common type of receptors found on cell surfaces, G-protein-linked receptors are part of a signal system that communicates between chemicals outside of the cell, including neurotransmitters like serotonin. These chemicals attach to the G-protein-linked receptors, triggering specific reactions inside the cell. These systems have been linked to the development of mood symptoms and to many of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder.

hypersexual

Having an excessive interest or involvement in sexual activity.

hyperthymic

A medical term for “high energy,” meaning very outgoing and active, often highly confident, temperamental, and sometimes arrogant or narcissistic.

hyperthyroidism

A malfunction of the thyroid gland that results in an overproduction of hormones; the symptoms can mimic those of mania.

hypomania

An elevated mood that doesn’t qualify as full-blown mania but typically involves increased energy, less need for sleep, clarity of vision, and a strong creative drive. These changes are noticeable to others but don’t significantly impair daily function.

hypothyroidism

A malfunction of the thyroid gland that results in an underproduction of hormones; the symptoms can mimic depression.

insight

A clear acceptance and understanding of a psychological disorder and the ability to objectively observe one’s own behaviors and attitudes that are characteristic of the disorder.

International Classification of Diseases (ICD)

The diagnostic manual developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and used in most countries outside the U.S. The ICD includes a chapter on the Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders, which is similar to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) used in the U.S.

interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)

A therapy developed to maintain mood stability through strict scheduling, learning about personal roles, coping with transitions, developing healthy routines, increasing social contact, and resolving and preventing interpersonal problems.

maintenance dose

An amount of a prescription medication that’s intended to prevent the onset of symptoms rather than treat existing symptoms.

major depressive episode

An extreme low mood that lasts at least two weeks and is characterized by symptoms such as despair, fatigue, loss or increase in appetite, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, an increased need for sleep or the inability to sleep, and thoughts of death or suicide.

mania

An extremely elevated mood typically characterized by euphoria, excessive energy, impulsivity, nervousness, impaired judgment, irritability, and a decreased need for sleep.

manic depression

Another name for bipolar disorder.

manic episode

A period of elevated mood, either euphoric or irritable, typically characterized by impulsivity, nervousness, impaired judgment, irritability, and a decreased need for sleep. The period must last at least one week (or shorter if it leads to hospitalization).

MAOI

A class of antidepressant medications that slow the action of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain. Doctors typically prescribe MAOIs only if a person reacts poorly to other antidepressants because of the strict diet changes needed when taking MAOIs.

mechanism of action

The way a medication acts on the biology or physiology of the brain to produce the desired effect.

mindfulness

The process of focusing solely on the moment and being fully present in that moment. Numerous scientific studies support the emotional and behavioral benefits of a variety of mindfulness strategies.

mood chart

A graph that shows the rise and fall of mood levels over time. Mood charts are very useful in predicting the onset of mood episodes and documenting the response to medications.

mood disorder

A psychiatric condition that results in persistently disrupted moods and/or mood regulation.

mood stabilizer

Strictly speaking, a medication that reduces frequency and/or severity of episodes of depression and/or mania. The term has become commonly, if inaccurately, associated with any medications that have antimanic effects or that reduce agitation.

neuroleptic

Another name for antipsychotics, neuroleptics led the charge in pharmacological treatment of mental illness in the 1950s and 1960s.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

A potentially fatal but very rare side effect of antipsychotic medications that results in high temperature, muscle rigidity, and altered consciousness.

neurons

Cells that are part of the telecommunications network in the brain and other parts of the nervous system; they carry signals throughout the body.

neuroplasticity

The ability of the nervous system to adapt and change in response to internal and external stimuli or events. Some treatments for bipolar disorder appear to affect the capacity for change and growth in the nervous system.

neurotransmitter

A chemical that’s part of the communication systems between cells within the nervous system and from the nervous system to other parts of the body.

norepinephrine

Best known for its role in the fight-or-flight response, norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that functions to regulate mood, anxiety, and memory.

off label

A legal use of a prescription medication to treat symptoms that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) didn’t officially approve it to treat.

omega-3

A source of several essential fatty acids that some experts believe are vital to the healthy development and function of the brain. Omega-3 is present in high concentration in cold-water ocean fish, including sardines, herring, and salmon; walnuts; flaxseed; and supplements.

p-doc

Nickname for psychiatrist.

phase delayed

The condition of having your daily rhythm out of sync with the rising and setting of the sun. Night owls are considered to be phase delayed.

phototherapy

The use of light to stimulate mood changes.

presenting symptoms

Signs of discomfort that prompt a visit to a doctor.

pressured speech

Urgent, non-stop talking that’s difficult to interrupt. Pressured speech is a characteristic of hypomania and mania.

prodromal symptoms

Early signs that indicate an impending mood episode.

prophylaxis

A fancy word for prevention. Doctors commonly prescribe a maintenance dose of a medication to prevent the onset of symptoms.

protein kinases

A group of second messengers that trigger changes to proteins inside of cells.

psychiatrist

A physician who specializes in the biology and physiology of the brain. A psychiatrist’s role in treating bipolar disorder includes diagnosis and medication prescription, as well as patient education and psychotherapy.

psychoeducation

A type of therapy that consists primarily of educating the afflicted person about the condition, its causes, and its treatment so she can more effectively manage the condition.

psychologist

A professional who specializes in brain development and function, thought processes, emotions, and behaviors. A psychologist can play a critical role in stabilizing moods by assessing brain functions and by helping the sufferer adjust negative thoughts and thought processes, regulate emotional responses, and control self-destructive or otherwise maladaptive behaviors.

psychopharmacology

The study of the effects of medications on brain functioning.

psychosis

A brain malfunction that blurs the line between the real and imagined world, often causing auditory hallucinations, irrational fears, and delusions.

psychotropic substance

Any chemical substance (usually a medicine) that affects mental functioning, emotions, or behavior.

rapid cycling

A state in which mood alternates between depression and mania more than four times in a year.

repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

The application of strong, quick-changing magnetic fields to the brain to produce electrical fields indirectly.

schizoaffective disorder

A psychiatric disorder in which symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are both present.

schizophrenia

A psychiatric disorder in which thought becomes dissociated from sensory input and emotions and is accompanied by hallucinations and delusional thinking. Bipolar disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed as schizophrenia.

seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

A mood disorder that’s strongly linked to the change of seasons. People who have SAD commonly experience major depressive episodes in the winter months.

second messenger systems

Circuits that transmit signals within a brain cell rather than between brain cells.

Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SSNRI)

A class of antidepressant medications that prevent the brain from absorbing and breaking down the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin after their use. Whether this is the primary mechanism for reducing symptoms of depression is unclear.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

A class of antidepressant medications that prevent the brain from absorbing and breaking down the neurotransmitter serotonin after its use. Whether this is the primary mechanism for reducing symptoms of depression is unclear.

self-medicate

The attempt to stabilize moods by taking nonprescription chemical substances, including alcohol and marijuana, or by regulating doses of prescription medication without a doctor’s assistance.

serotonin

A neurotransmitter that’s a major part of the cellular circuits that regulate mood, anxiety, fear, sleep, body temperature, the rate at which your body releases certain hormones, and many other body and brain processes.

stigmatize

To brand someone as disgraceful or shameful.

stressor

Anything that revs up your brain and body. Stressors are usually negative, but exciting and positive events can also be stressful.

support group

A group of patients and/or family members who meet to discuss and empower one another in the face of a common illness.

tardive dyskinesia

A condition — sometimes caused by the long-term use of neuroleptics — that results in abnormal, uncontrollable muscle movements, often in the mouth and face.

therapeutic level

The concentration of medicine in the bloodstream required for medication to be effective.

thyroid

A gland situated below the Adam’s apple that produces hormones that control growth and influence moods.

treatment-resistant depression (TRD)

Depression that doesn’t respond well to standard medical treatments, including medication.

tricyclic antidepressant

A class of medications that treats depression. These medicines limit the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.

unipolar depression

A mood disorder characterized by episodes of major depression without symptoms of mania or hypomania.

vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

Electronic brain stimulation through the vagus nerves in the neck that has some evidence of helping reduce the symptoms of treatment resistant depression (TRD).