Evidence-Based Guidelines for Treating Bipolar Disorder: Recommendations From the British Association for Psychopharmacology

This document presents guidelines for treating bipolar disorder that have been drawn up by the British Association for Psychopharmacology. They are presented as recommendations to aid clinical decision-making for practitioners, along with a more detailed review of the available evidence. The guidelines cover the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, clinical management, & strategies for the use of medicines in short-term treatment of episodes, relapse prevention & stopping treatment. Long-term risk for suicide in bipolar patients is discussed. (159 refs)