Bipolar disorder - Assessment and management

BACKGROUND General practitioners are increasingly aware of the bipolar disorders and of being required to adopt a management role. OBJECTIVE This article provides the GP with efficient strategies to assist detection and diagnosis of bipolar I and II disorders and defines management principles. DISCUSSION Bipolar disorders benefit from a mix of medication and nonmedication components, with complementary clinical management and patient self management reducing the high morbidity and suicide risk associated with these disorders.