You are responding to a patient with a behavioral problem. While en route, dispatch contacts you and states that there is a mental-health delegate at the scene and you will be transporting the patient to the local psych hospital for treatment of her bipolar disorder. On scene which one of the following patient behaviors should help confirm that the patient is suffering from bipolar disorder?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of both depression (low mood) and mania (high mood). The patient's happy, excessively cheerful, and elated behavior may suggest a manic episode, which is a common feature of bipolar disorder. However, it should be noted that a formal diagnosis should be made by a mental health professional, and not solely based on observed behavior.

You Are Responding to a Patient with a Behavioral Problem