Drug treatments for bipolar disorder: 2--maintenance, prevention and special situations.

In last month's issue, we discussed drug treatment for acute mood episodes (mania, hypomania, depression or mixed states) in patients with bipolar disorder. We pointed out that prescribers have to keep in mind that patients will often need treatment long term. Here we consider the role of drug therapy for maintenance and prevention in patients with bipolar disorder. We also discuss some common clinical situations that pose particular problems and dilemmas with regard to drug treatment.