How to Address Bipolar Disorder in Clients

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that affects the mood. It is typically characterized by mood instability. It is difficult at times to work with clients who struggle with this disorder because they might not want to acknowledge they have a mental illness. They might actually enjoy their times of increased energy and excitement (mania) and not see it as a problem, or they might not like taking the medications that control the symptoms because of side effects. It takes patience and perseverance, but you can have an effective relationship with your client who struggles with bipolar disorder.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your client what he believes his problem is. If he is clear that he struggles with bipolar disorder, verify it by having him sign an information release to obtain permission to speak to the agency or individual who diagnosed him. If he does not know what his problem is, take a thorough history, concentrating on symptoms of energy, mood and depression. Use the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of bipolar.

• 2

  Educate the client on bipolar disease if he seems receptive. Be very clear that it is a manageable, treatable illness and encourage him to educate himself on dealing successfully with it. If a client is actively manic (pressured speech, risk taking behaviors, lack of sleep, tangential speech, or possibly having delusions, hallucinations, or paranoia), do not try to educate. Assess the client for safety. If the client is impaired to the point of being a danger to self or others, follow the procedures of your state to seek hospitalization.

• 3

  Help the client obtain medical intervention as soon as possible. Medications can substantially decrease the symptoms that impair functioning. Encourage medication compliance. Enlist the client's loved ones to help also. Be honest about possible side effects and brainstorm with the client ways to deal with these if they arise.

• 4

  Educate the client's support system on bipolar disorder. Refer close friends and family to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to receive information, support and advice.