Psychiatry Research EG

Bipolar disorder is underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed and undertreated. The emphasis now is on the bipolar spectrum and its management is under continuous revision, for example, the controversial use of antidepressants. The recent change in the conceptualization of bipolar disorder has changed the lifetime prevalence, the difficulty in diagnosis, the syndromal and functional outcome. The bipolar spectrum encompasses many psychiatric disorders that requires a change in its diagnosis and management. There has been a shift in pharmacological and psychotherapeutic management in bipolar disorder. The dilemma in management will be discussed with a personal experience of approximately 50 years in psychiatry. Cultural and economical sensitivity will be taken into consideration. A brief account will be presented for the management and maintenance treatment of mixed, rapid cycler and psychotic bipolar disorder, whether psychopharmacological or psychotherapeutic.