Fourth Edition, September 2011

Bi-Polar Aff ective/Mood Disorder
Bipolar disorder or manic–depressive disorder, also 
referred to as bipolar aff ective disorder or manic de-
pression, is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a cat-
egory of mood disorders defi ned by the presence of 
one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy 
levels, cognition, and mood with or without one or 
more depressive episodes.
The elevated moods are clinically referred to as mania 
or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience 
manic episodes also commonly experience depres-
sive episodes, or symptoms, or a mixed state in which 
features of both mania and depression are present at 
the same time. These events are usually separated by 
periods of “normal” mood; but, in some individuals, 
depression and mania may rapidly alternate, which is 
known as rapid cycling. 

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3 . 3
Glossary of terms and abbreviations
Making a Diff erence: An Educators’ Guide to Child and Youth Mental Health Problems
www.cymhin.ca
Blunted aff ect 
An aff ect type that represents signifi cant reduction in 
the intensity of emotional expression.
Borderline Personality Disorder
A specifi c type of personality disorder which is char-
acterised by a lifelong pattern of behaviour which 
may include unclear and disturbed self-image, brief 
psychotic episodes, involvement in intense, unstable 
relationships, repeated emotional crises, fear of aban-
donment, and a series of suicidal threats or acts of self-
harm without apparent cause.
Case Management 
Case management is a process which aims to ensure 
the client receives the best possible treatment and 
support through the identifi cation of needs, planning 
individual goals and strategies, and linking to appro-
priate services to meet these needs.
Case Manager
A mental health professional employed by a mental 
health service who is primarily responsible for case 
management of a particular client. The client’s case 
manager may be a social worker, psychiatric nurse, 
psychiatrist, occupational therapist, physician or 
psychologist.