Bipolar disorder is more than mood swings — it’s a complex cycle of manic highs, depressive lows, and everything in between. As a psychiatric NP, your cheat sheet needs to be sharp and specific. This quick-reference guide covers DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I and II, key symptom differences, red flags for mania (like decreased need for sleep, risky behavior, pressured speech), and how to distinguish it from borderline personality or unipolar depression.
It also includes go-to mood stabilizers like lithium, valproate, lamotrigine, and atypical antipsychotics, along with baseline labs and monitoring tips. Whether you’re managing acute mania, rapid cycling, or long-term maintenance, this sheet keeps clinical essentials at your fingertips. Because when it comes to bipolar care, timing, insight, and medication balance can make all the difference between chaos and stability.