Citation

McIntyre RS, Konarski JZ. CNS Spectr. 2004; 9(11 Suppl 12): 6-15.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, MBL Communications)

DOI

10.1017/s1092852900028844

PMID

15529087

Abstract

Bipolar disorders are prevalent, disabling, and costly diseases that often pursue an inexorable course. Underdetection, misdiagnosis, and diagnostic delay frequently and unnecessarily interfere with appropriate treatment of the disorder. Mortality studies in bipolar disorder underscore the relevance of both unnatural and natural causes of death, inviting the need for improved preventative and primary health care for bipolar patients. The treatment framework for bipolar disorder must recognize and anticipate the multidimensionality and comorbidity of this illness. Pharmacotherapy is necessary, with multiple concomitant medications required for most patients. In addition, adjunctive psychosocial interventions offer enhanced compliance and may beneficially influence psychopathological and functional outcomes. This article emphasizes the public health concern of bipolar disorder, and provides tactics to enhance detection of cryptic bipolar states, underscore the clinical and pathophysiological relevance of comorbidity in bipolar disorder, and provide a framework for multimodality therapy for this condition.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Age Factors; Anxiety Disorders; Bipolar Disorder; Comorbidity; Humans; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Socioeconomic Factors; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States