Managing bipolar disorder from urgent situations to maintenance therapy.

Abstract

Treatment for bipolar disorder consists of 2 goals: 1) managing urgent situations and 2) transitioning patients into maintenance therapy. Patients with bipolar disorder who present in urgent situations, including symptoms of suicidality, aggression, occupational impairment, legal involvement, and psychosis, require quick and efficient identification and resolution of symptoms. Once patients are stabilized, clinicians must then implement maintenance therapy to manage behavioral symptoms, promote optimal functioning, and ultimately, to reach full, functional recovery.