The original Expert Consensus Guidelines™ for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder were published in 1996. However, the introduction of new treatments led to a new expert survey and the publication of these updated guidelines in 2000, which incorporate information on the latest treatment strategies for this devastating illness. Based on a survey of 58 experts on bipolar disorder, these guidelines cover strategies for the treatment of both mania and bipolar depression. The guidelines on mania cover choice of treatment regimen for the initial episode, choice of specific mood stabilizer (and antipsychotic if needed), strategies for dealing with an inadequate response to the initial treatment and for managing treatment resistant mania, and maintenance treatment strategies. Information on adequate dosing and duration of mood stabilizers is also included. The guidelines on depression follow the same general outline as those for mania and provide guidance on selection of antidepressants to be used in conjunction with mood stabilizers. Also included is a series of guidelines that deal specifically with management of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. The last section of the guidelines deals with special treatment issues, such as selecting medications for bipolar presentations that resemble other disorders, use of thyroid hormone in patients with bipolar disorder, managing weight gain, improving adherence to treatment, and selecting medications for patients with comorbid psychiatric or general medical conditions. Also included is "A Guide for Patients and Families" that was developed with the assistance of the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (NDMDA) and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI).
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Single or bulk reprints of the patient-family guide may be obtained from the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (NDMDA), 800-82-NDMDA (800-826-3632), or from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264).
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