Managing Bipolar Depression: An Evidence-Based Approach

Bipolar disorder is characterized by the cyclical occurrence of elevated (manic or hypomanic) and depressed mood states. The illness, which includes the bipolar I and bipolar II subtypes, exacts a heavy toll in terms of quality of life, functioning, morbidity, comorbidity, and mortality.¹ Depressive episodes and symptoms deserve particular attention: Not only do they dominate the long-term course of the illness; they are associated with similar or greater psychosocial impairment than corresponding levels of manic or hypomanic symptoms.¹

Bipolar disorder is characterized by the cyclical occurrence of elevated (manic or hypomanic) and depressed mood states. The illness, which includes the bipolar I and bipolar II subtypes, exacts a heavy toll in terms of quality of life, functioning, morbidity, comorbidity, and mortality.¹ Depressive episodes and symptoms deserve particular attention: Not only do they dominate the long-term course of the illness; they are associated with similar or greater psychosocial impairment than corresponding levels of manic or hypomanic symptoms.¹

Bipolar disorder is characterized by the cyclical occurrence of elevated (manic or hypomanic) and depressed mood states. The illness, which includes the bipolar I and bipolar II subtypes, exacts a heavy toll in terms of quality of life, functioning, morbidity, comorbidity, and mortality.¹ Depressive episodes and symptoms deserve particular attention: Not only do they dominate the long-term course of the illness; they are associated with similar or greater psychosocial impairment than corresponding levels of manic or hypomanic symptoms.¹