Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder

Summarizes the pharmacologic, other somatic and psychotherapeutic treatments that are used, with a focus on patients with bipolar I disorder. Begins at the point where the psychiatrist has established the diagnosis and has evaluated the patient for the presence of comorbid psychiatric conditions as well as general medical conditions. Seeks to assist the physician faced with the task of managing patient, which may involve different treatment strategies at different points in time. (Original abstract-amended)