The Curbsiders

Podcast Recap | Bipolar Disorder With Dr. Kevin Johns

December 5, 2024

In this episode of "The Curbsiders," Dr. Kevin Johns, a psychiatrist specializing in consultation liaison psychiatry, discusses the complexities of diagnosing and managing bipolar disorder. The conversation covers diagnostic challenges, treatment options, and the importance of a holistic approach to patient care.

Podcast length: 1 hr. 17 min.

Key takeaways:

1. Diagnostic challenges: Bipolar disorder can be both underdiagnosed and overdiagnosed. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough patient history and sometimes extended observation, as symptoms can overlap with other conditions like borderline personality disorder and ADHD.

2. Importance of screening tools: Tools like the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the CIDI 3.0 can aid in diagnosis, but it's important to understand their limitations. The MDQ has a high false-positive rate, while the CIDI 3.0 offers better specificity and sensitivity.

3. Treatment strategies: Effective management of bipolar disorder involves phase-specific treatments. For depressive episodes, medications like quetiapine and lurasidone are recommended. Lithium and valproic acid are effective for manic episodes but require careful monitoring.

4. Role of psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is beneficial, especially for managing depressive symptoms. It helps patients develop coping strategies and address underlying issues that medication alone cannot resolve.

5. Monitoring and follow-up: Regular follow-up is essential to adjust treatment plans and monitor for side effects, particularly with medications like lithium, which require frequent lab tests to ensure safety and efficacy.

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast recap are solely that of the host and guests and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.

Source:

Watto, M. and Gorth, D. (2023, November 13). Bipolar Disorder With Dr. Kevin Johns. (No. 415) [Audio podcast episode]. The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast. https://thecurbsiders.com/curbsiders-podcast/415-bipolar-disorder-with-dr-kevin-johns