Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/bipolar-disorder/
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar affective disorder is another name for what was once known as manic depression. ‘Bipolar’ describes the mood fluctuations - from the extremely elated mood (mania) to the very low mood (depression) - that people with this condition may experience.
There is now far more knowledge and understanding about how to treat and support people with bipolar disorder to live full and meaningful lives. Some of the greatest writers, musicians, artists and scientists in history are thought to have experienced bipolar disorder such as Sir Isaac Newton, Florence Nightingale and Mark Twain. Wikipedia has a long list.
Send to a friendOverview
This section has slide shows, fact sheets, and more detailed information to help you learn all about bipolar disorder.
 | Bipolar Disorder Fact Sheet |  | 2 Pages |
| Easy to Read | |||
| Bipolar Disorder Fact Sheet | | 2 Pages |
| Easy to Read | Maori | ||
| Bipolar Disorder Fact Sheet | Beyondblue | 4 Pages |
| useful information, but phone numbers and links are for Australia | |||
 | What is it? - useful videos from an American website | HealthiNation | |
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
This section has information about common signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, plus a self-test you can take.
| Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Fact Sheet | Black Dog Institute | 4 Pages |
| Self-Testing for Bipolar Disorder Fact Sheet | Black Dog Institute | 4 Pages |
 | Take a self-test for bipolar disorder | Black Dog Institute | |
What can I do? - Self help measures
Here you will find fact sheets, a workbook and pamphlets to help you self-manage bipolar disorder.
| Attend a self management programme | Health Navigator NZ | |
| Hints to Avoid Harmful Stress Fact Sheet | Black Dog Institute | 2 Pages |
| e-couch | The Australian National University | |
| Free online self-help programme | |||
| Daily Mood Graph for Bipolar Disorder | Black Dog Institute | 1 Page |
| Questions to ask your doctor | Best Health - UK | |
Treatments & Medication
Here you will find information about treatment for bipolar disorder and some great resources to help you monitor your medication and moods.
| What treatments work for bipolar disorder? | Best Health - UK | |
| UK website, however good information | |||
| Treatments & Drugs | Mayo Clinic | |
| Treatments for bipolar disorder - American so medication names may be different in NZ | HealthiNation | |
| NZ Treatment Guide for Consumers & Carers | RANZCP | 56 Pages |
| March 2005 | |||
Clinical Resources
Guidelines, assessment tools and a review article to help improve clinical practice.
| Bipolar Disorder Education Programme | Black Dog Institute | |
| Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder - Dec 04 | RANZCP | 26 Pages |
| Summary of guideline for the treatment of bipolar disorder | RANZCP | 15 Pages |
| Summary Version - 2003 | |||
| Assessment & Management Tools for GPs | Black Dog Institute | |
| Useful resources for providers managing mood disorders (Australian website) | |||
| Daily Mood Graph for Bipolar Disorder | Black Dog Institute | 1 Page |
| Treatment Chart | Black Dog Institute | 3 Pages |
Support
Information to help you find support and inspiration.
| Tips for Helping Someone with Bipolar Disorder | Beyondblue | |
| Webhealth |  | |
| NZ health & social services | |||
| Reflections on Personal Recovery | Devon Partnership NHS Trust | 76 Pages |
Want to Learn More?
In this section you will find links to more bipolar disorder resources including a fact sheet about bipolar disorder in young people.
| Preventing Risky Behaviours Fact Sheet | Here to Help | 2 Pages |
| MindNet | | |
| Internet-based resource and e-bulletin about mental health promotion and prevention | |||
| Health Translations Directory | State Government of Victoria, Australia | |
| Australian website with multilingual health information | Multiple Languages | ||
| Mood Disorders & Psychosis Fact Sheet | Here to Help | 2 Pages |
| Reading List: Books & Audio/Visual Material | Black Dog Institute | 7 Pages |
| Mental Wellbeing Worksheets | Here to Help | |
| Suicide Prevention Information NZ (SPINZ) | | |
| SPINZ assists communities and services to prevent suicide by providing them with best practice information | |||
Date last reviewed