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Bipolar disorder - Management
Goals

For a person with new or suspected bipolar disorder

  • Early recognition and risk assessment resulting in referral with appropriate urgency to specialist mental health services so that:
    • The diagnosis can be confirmed
    • Anti-manic medication can be started
    • Appropriate review and follow up can be arranged
    • Risk to the person and others can be minimized

For a person presenting with an acute episode

  • Early recognition and risk assessment so that:
    • Referral to specialist mental health services can be arranged if necessary and with appropriate urgency
    • Appropriate treatment can be given
    • Appropriate review and follow up can be arranged
    • Risk to the person and others can be minimized

For women of childbearing age with bipolar disorder

  • Appropriate management so that risks to the woman and her child can be minimized

For all people with bipolar disorder

  • The promotion of their physical health
  • The promotion of the well-being of their families and carers
  • The provision of good communication and accurate information to allow them to reach informed decisions about their care

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