Maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder.

Due to the high risk of recurrence, maintenance therapy is a critical part of treatment for bipolar disorder. Currently, no cure exists for bipolar disorder, but clinical vigilance in maintaining adequate treatment can alleviate symptoms and help prevent recurrence of manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers remain the cornerstone of bipolar disorder treatment, but adjunctive atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, and lamotrigine also show efficacy in maintaining recovery. Psychotherapy also can help patients with bipolar disorder achieve and maintain remission.