title: Bipolar disorders: a review.
abstract: Bipolar disorders are common, disabling, recurrent mental health conditions of variable severity. Onset is often in late childhood or early adolescence. Patients with bipolar disorders have higher rates of other mental health disorders and general medical conditions. Early recognition and treatment of bipolar disorders improve outcomes. Treatment of mood episodes depends on the presenting phase of illness: mania, hypomania, mixed state, depression, or maintenance. Psychotherapy and mood stabilizers, such as lithium, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics, are first-line treatments that should be continued indefinitely because of the risk of relapse. Monotherapy with antidepressants is contraindicated in mixed states, manic episodes, and bipolar I disorder. Maintenance therapy for patients involves screening for suicidal ideation and substance abuse, evaluating adherence to treatment, and recognizing metabolic complications of pharmacotherapy. Active management of body weight reduces complications and improves lipid control. Patients and their support systems should be educated about mood relapse, suicidal ideation, and the effectiveness of early intervention to reduce complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA. apriceneff@gmail.com
authors.forename: Amy L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Gabrielle R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Marzani-Nissen
mesh_terms: D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011613:Psychotherapy; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents