The pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder in primary care

Abstract

Objective: To provide a practical overview of the pharmacological management of adults with bipolar disorder in primary care and the role of general practitioners in the pharmacotherapy of this complex disorder. Data sources: Published guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorder, plus Cochrane reviews, meta-analyses, review articles and reports from randomised controlled trials that were published up to May 2009. Study selection: Over 500 articles on the treatment of bipolar disorder were reviewed, with an emphasis on meta-analyses and systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials. Where evidence was more limited, open trials and non-controlled data were also reviewed. Data extract..