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Bipolar Disorder in Primary Care: Considerations in Management

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Abstract

Purpose of review

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that has significant morbidity and mortality implications globally. Increasingly, as with many mental health disorders, patients are being identified in primary care settings.

Recent findings

In this overview, we discuss screening and case identification, making the case for judicious use of screening tools coupled with follow-up clarifying questions. We review the main modalities of treatment including pharmacother-apy and the evidence for non-pharmacotherapy adjunctive approaches. We discuss recommendations and cautions regarding the use of antidepressants in this population. Finally, we explore the role of new models of care and pharmacogenetic testing.

Summary

As primary care providers play a critical role in the care of patients with bipolar disorder there are a number of important considerations both in the identification of patients as well as initiating and monitoring treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience and Community and Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 670559, 260 Stetson Street, Suite 3238, Cincinnati, OH, 45219, USA

    Hilja Ruegg MD, Suzanne Watson MD, Melissa DelBello MD, MSc, Caleb Adler MD & L. Rodrigo Patino Duran MD, MSc

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  1. Hilja Ruegg MD
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Correspondence to Hilja Ruegg MD.

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Ruegg, H., Watson, S., DelBello, M. et al. Bipolar Disorder in Primary Care: Considerations in Management. Curr Treat Options Psych 5, 441–451 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40501-018-0160-2

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