Anxiety comorbidity in the bipolar disorder population poses a serious hazard. For example, it is associated with an intensification of symptoms, non-recovery, substance use comorbidity, & harmful dysfunctions, e.g. suicidality. This paper synthesizes extant studies reporting on the co-occurrence of anxiety disorders & bipolar disorders. Taken together, a compelling basis for prioritizing the identification & management of anxiety symptomatology in the bipolar disorder population. (76 refs.)