Challenging Cases in the Management of Bipolar Depression: What Would You Do?

Bipolar depression affects a wide range of patient populations who can sometimes present unique clinical challenges. Bipolar depression occurs across the spectrum of age from young to old, in those with mixed features, and in patients with comorbidities. Given the heterogeneity of bipolar depression presentations, there is no universal approach to its management, and clinicians face numerous challenges when delivering care to patients with unique needs. Clinicians need to be aware of how age affects the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of bipolar depression, most notably in pediatric and geriatric populations. Further, patients with bipolar depression may present with symptoms of hypomania/mania. Patients with mixed features may have a less favorable response to treatment and often have poor outcomes. Clinicians may also be challenged by the management of patients with bipolar disorder who are experiencing metabolic complications and somatic comorbidities. Despite the availability of clinical practice guidelines, evidence-based care reflecting the unique needs of specific populations with bipolar depression is not always delivered. In this symposium, world-renowned faculty will review relevant cases and share the latest insights on the diagnosis and management of challenging populations with bipolar depression. Discussion of practical approaches to each unique population’s needs will focus on up-to-date, evidence-based treatment strategies.