Bipolar disorder is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life. Pharmacotherapy is central to the acute treatment and long-term management of the disorder and as there are several classes of drugs, which are often prescribed concurrently, treatment issues are complex. This essential reference work examines major pharmacological treatments in the different phases of bipolar disorder. Chapters are devoted to commonly use pharmacological treatments with a critical review of the existing literature. Each chapter includes information not only on studies that have been published but also on new treatments that have been reported in peer reviewed scientific meetings. Bipolar Psychopharmacotherapy covers both pharmacotherapy and the role of psychotherapy, psychoeducation and social approaches to provide a broad integrative philosophy of care for bipolar patients. Extensive coverage is given to special management issues such as the care of women with bipolar disorder, children and the elderly, as well as bipolar depression and suicide prevention. With contributions from the pioneers in the field and an expert editor team, Bipolar Psychopharmacotherapy provides psychiatrists and all mental health practitioners with an invaluable guide to the management of these complex patients. From the reviews: "If a colleague were to ask me, "What would you recommend I read if I want to become a real expert on bipolarity?" I would respond 'Bipolar Psychopharmacotherapy: Caring for the Patient'." JOURNAL OF BIPOLAR DISORDERS "... a very useful reference on the pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder that is written in a very practical and user-friendly format... a must for anyone dealing with patients with bipolar disorder." DOODY'S HEALTH SERVICES "... a multifaceted text with broad clinical value... recommended as an in-office reference for the practicing physician who treats the bipolar patients... to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text." THE ELECTRIC REVIEW