Demystifying the Disease State: Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment Across the Bipolar Spectrum

This article describes the bipolar spectrum through a review of the criteria for diagnosis, & provides practical advice on improving the detection of the disorder. Treatment options, with a focus on the latest pharmacological evidence are presented, along with clinical recommendations regarding the safe & effective use of mood stabilizers & antidepressants. Suicide is discussed as both a consequence of misdiagnosis, & a prevalent symtpom of bipolar disorder. (47 refs)