Tuesday, September 23, 2003

Approaches to the Treatment of Mania
A new CME unit from Medscape - " Bipolar disorder is an episodic illness treated in phases, with each phase presenting its own set of challenges to the treating physician. Mania is frequently associated with behavioral disturbances that can have serious consequences for patients and those around them. Rapid control is important, even though many manic patients are uncooperative. As time goes by and behavioral problems decrease, the type and intensity of treatments change, as do the goals for therapy. Other factors come into play, including the involvement and education of family. Through all phases of the illness, the clinician needs to be vigilant about suicide risk. This article discusses current approaches to the pharmacologic and psychosocial treatment of bipolar disorder in its different phases for both adults and children, as well as strategies for the assessment and management of suicide risk." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].