Program Overview
Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the most difficult psychiatric conditions to accurately recognize and diagnose because many patients report depressive, but not manic, symptoms. Additionally, BD is often comorbid with drug and alcohol abuse as well as other psychiatric illnesses, which results in symptoms that are complex and challenging to evaluate and treat. Patients with BD also experience more physical illnesses compared with the general population, and comorbid medical disorders are associated with poor functional outcomes.
Maintaining wellness in patients with BD requires consideration of the potential negative effects BD can have on functioning, quality of life, and interpersonal relationships. Since BD is a chronic disorder, long-term treatment is needed and should include both psychopharmacologic and psychosocial therapies. Evidence exists to support the use of various pharmacotherapies for the effective management of patients with depressive and/or manic symptoms of BD. Treatment optimization depends on the appropriate choice of therapies for individual patients, particularly in cases with coexisting psychiatric and medical conditions.
This symposium will provide an evidence-based approach to the treatment of patients with BD using pharmacologic and psychosocial therapies. The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of various treatment interventions will be discussed based on data from the most recent clinical trials. Long-term treatment strategies will be outlined, focusing on enhancement of patient satisfaction, the minimization of adverse events, and improvement of overall patient outcomes.