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Bipolar disorder - Management
How do I manage a hypomanic or manic episode in someone with known bipolar disorder?
- Refer all people in a hypomanic or manic episode for specialist mental health assessment.
- Determine the urgency of referral by assessing the risks to the individual and others.
- Admit urgently those people who are considered to be a danger to themselves or others.
- Refer urgently for specialist mental health assessment:
- People for whom the degree of risk is increasing such that they are likely to become a danger to themselves or others.
- People with mania.
- People in a mixed episode.
- People with rapid cycling.
- Arrange a prompt specialist mental health review for anyone with known bipolar disorder presenting with hypomania.
- Ask about, and advise, adherence to treatment in people on anti-manic medication.
- Contact a mental health specialist for advice on initial management while the person is waiting to be seen in secondary care.
In depth
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