Priority 15 from the Bipolar PSP

UNCERTAINTY: What are the most effective ways for people with bipolar to monitor their condition, and take steps to avoid or minimise the impact of a relapse? (JLA PSP Priority 15)
Overall ranking	15
JLA question ID	0041/15
Explanatory note	Not available for this PSP
Evidence	None identified
Health Research Classification System category	Mental Health

Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples	For full examples, see Category ID M7 on spreadsheet. How can use of technology/ Facebook/ iPhones/ computers impact on bipolar symptoms. Can overuse trigger symptoms? ~ If sleep disturbance is the earliest symptom of a manic episode is there any treatment for the sleep disturbance that will stop the manic episode? ~ As a person becomes better at managing their symptoms and triggers (i.e. stress) can they reduce likelihood of future episodes? ~ I am often not aware I am manic and by the time I am the damage has been done as I have gone over the edge. Could a self testing kit be provided to people with bipolar so they can constantly monitor themselves? True Colours is a help so something similar? ~ Should people with bipolar try to avoid stressful jobs even if they then work in areas that they are over qualified for? ~ Is it possible to devise a way of predicting an episode and having that on medical notes with quicker access to see a GP or mental health professional? Often an episode is in full swing by the time an appointment has been arranged.
Submitted by	Patients x 52 ~ Carers x 29 ~ Health Professionals x 10 ~ Others x 3

Extra information provided by this PSP

Original uncertainty examples

For full examples, see Category ID M7 on spreadsheet. How can use of technology/ Facebook/ iPhones/ computers impact on bipolar symptoms. Can overuse trigger symptoms? ~ If sleep disturbance is the earliest symptom of a manic episode is there any treatment for the sleep disturbance that will stop the manic episode? ~ As a person becomes better at managing their symptoms and triggers (i.e. stress) can they reduce likelihood of future episodes? ~ I am often not aware I am manic and by the time I am the damage has been done as I have gone over the edge. Could a self testing kit be provided to people with bipolar so they can constantly monitor themselves? True Colours is a help so something similar? ~ Should people with bipolar try to avoid stressful jobs even if they then work in areas that they are over qualified for? ~ Is it possible to devise a way of predicting an episode and having that on medical notes with quicker access to see a GP or mental health professional? Often an episode is in full swing by the time an appointment has been arranged.

Submitted by

Patients x 52 ~ Carers x 29 ~ Health Professionals x 10 ~ Others x 3

PSP information
PSP unique ID	0041
PSP name	Bipolar
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP.	363 (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop	14 June 2016