About this resource
Bipolar disorder causes big changes in mood, energy and activity that last days or weeks. This handout explains mania, hypomania, depression and mixed features, the main types of bipolar disorder, the parts of treatment that help, and why early warning signs matter. It includes a simple plan for noticing early signs of going high or low and what to do.
Purpose
To help people understand bipolar disorder and act early on warning signs of a mood episode.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Psychologists. Also relevant for counsellors and therapists, social workers, community services and case workers.
Client or participant group: Young people and adults with bipolar disorder, and their families and supporters.
Practice setting: Psychology and mental health services, as part of psychoeducation alongside medical care.
Suggested uses
- Psychoeducation after diagnosis
- Building an early warning signs plan
- Sessions with family or supporters
- Relapse prevention planning
Instructions for practitioners
- Use alongside assessment and treatment by the person's doctor or psychiatrist.
- Go through each type of mood episode using the person's own experiences.
- Help the person identify personal early warning signs and agree what they will do.
- Complete a risk assessment where there are thoughts of suicide or risky behaviour.
- Involve family or supporters with the person's consent.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Read the handout with your practitioner or someone you trust.
- Write down the early signs that you or others notice.
- Share your plan with your treating team and supporters.
Accessibility considerations
Plain language. Can be read aloud. Supporters can help complete the warning signs plan.
Scope and limitations
General psychoeducation. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace assessment or treatment by a doctor or psychiatrist. Questions about medication should go to the prescribing doctor.
Higher-risk topic: use only within your training, supervision and organisational procedures.
Research basis
Australian guidelines recommend psychoeducation alongside medical treatment for bipolar disorder, and structured psychoeducation reduces relapse. Brief psychoeducation can reduce symptoms of depression and psychological distress.
- Colom, F., Vieta, E., Martínez-Arán, A., Reinares, M., Goikolea, J. M., Benabarre, A., Torrent, C., Comes, M., Corbella, B., Parramon, G., & Corominas, J. (2003). A Randomized Trial on the Efficacy of Group Psychoeducation in the Prophylaxis of Recurrences in Bipolar Patients Whose Disease Is in Remission. Archives of General Psychiatry, 60(4), 402. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.60.4.402
- Donker, T., Griffiths, K. M., Cuijpers, P., & Christensen, H. (2009). Psychoeducation for depression, anxiety and psychological distress: a meta-analysis. BMC Medicine, 7(1), 79. https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-7-79
- Malhi, G. S., Bell, E., Bassett, D., Boyce, P., Bryant, R., Hazell, P., Hopwood, M., Lyndon, B., Mulder, R., Porter, R., Singh, A. B., & Murray, G. (2021). The 2020 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 55(1), 7–117. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867420979353
What is included
A 3-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Written for Practitioner Plus from the research and guidance listed in the research basis; no third-party worksheet was used as a template.
