Bipolar disorder: assessment and management

Excerpt

This guideline covers recognising, assessing and treating bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) in children, young people and adults. The recommendations apply to bipolar I, bipolar II, mixed affective and rapid cycling disorders. It aims to improve access to treatment and quality of life in people with bipolar disorder.

MHRA advice on valproate: Recommendations on valproate have taken into account the MHRA safety advice on the use of valproate, valproate use in people younger than 55 years, valproate use in women and girls and valproate use in men. Valproate must not be started for the first time in people (male or female) younger than 55 years, unless 2 specialists independently consider and document that there is no other effective or tolerated treatment, or there are compelling reasons that the reproductive risks do not apply. Valproate must not be used in women and girls of childbearing potential (including young girls who are likely to need treatment into their childbearing years), unless other options are unsuitable and the Pregnancy Prevention Programme is in place. Boys and men should be advised to use effective contraception (condoms, plus contraception used by a female sexual partner) throughout the valproate treatment period and for 3 months after stopping valproate. Men taking valproate who are planning a family within the next year should discuss potential fertility risks and treatment options with a healthcare professional.

Who is it for?:

1. Healthcare professionals

2. People working in occupational health, social services and the independent sector

3. Children, young people and adults with bipolar disorder

4. Families of and people who care for children, young people and adults with bipolar disorder