title: Bipolar spectrum disorder: differential diagnosis and treatment.
abstract: Bipolar disorder commonly presents as a recurrent mood disorder characterized by frequent depressive episodes. Although manic or hypomanic phases are required for the diagnosis to be made based on current diagnostic criteria, a wider expression of mood instability and other historical features or family history may suggest the presence of a bipolar spectrum illness. This article covers the diagnostic issues related to bipolar disorder and the spectrum concept of the illness. A new definition of bipolar spectrum disorder is suggested, and treatment principles and options are discussed. Primary care providers often encounter patients who have depression and mood problems, placing them in a key position for the diagnosis and treatment of this psychiatric illness.
authors.affiliation: Cleveland Clinic Neurology Institute/Psychiatry, 9500 Euclid Avenue, P57, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. muzinad@ccf.org
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Muzina
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care; D013405:Suicide
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents