Clinical Case Challenges: Evidence-Based Strategies in the Diagnosis and Management of Bipolar Depression

Primary care is frequently the first point of contact for individuals with bipolar depression. Although bipolar depression is often diagnosed and managed by psychiatrists, access to psychiatrists can be a limiting factor to care delivery. In one study, fewer than half of patients referred from primary care scheduled an appointment with a psychiatrist, and fewer than half of scheduled visits were attended.

Many patients with bipolar depression are successfully managed in the primary care setting; however, challenges remain. These challenges include recognizing bipolar depression, making a differential diagnosis, and employing evidence-based pharmacologic management. The goal of this monograph is to help you overcome these challenges with your patients and to optimize care. In this monograph, we use current literature as a knowledge base from which to translate clinical data through a question-and-answer format.