Clinical practice recommendations for bipolar disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To provide clinically relevant evidence-based recommendations for the management of bipolar disorder in adults that are informative, easy to assimilate and facilitate clinical decision-making.


METHODS
A comprehensive literature review of over 500 articles was undertaken using electronic database search engines (e.g. MEDLINE, PsychINFO and Cochrane reviews). In addition articles, book chapters and other literature known to the authors were reviewed. The findings were then formulated into a set of recommendations that were developed by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians who routinely deal with mood disorders. These preliminary recommendations underwent extensive consultative review by a broader advisory panel that included experts in the field, clinical staff and patient representatives.


RESULTS
The clinical practice recommendations for bipolar disorder (bipolar CPR) summarise evidence-based treatments and provide a synopsis of recommendations relating to each phase of the illness. They are designed for clinical use and have therefore been presented succinctly in an innovative and engaging manner that is clear and informative.


CONCLUSIONS
These up-to-date recommendations provide an evidence-based framework that incorporates clinical wisdom and consideration of individual factors in the management of bipolar disorder. Further, the novel style and practical approach should promote their uptake and implementation.
CADE Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia. gmalhi@med.usyd.edu.au
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Malhi
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Adams
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Lampe
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Paton
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O'Connor
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Newton
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Walter
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Taylor
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Porter
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Mulder
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Berk
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000379:methods
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018020:Lithium Compounds