Management of bipolar disorder

The evidence for management of bipolar disorder in people with developmental disability is limited; recommendations as for the general population are appropriate. See also Principles of management of psychiatric disorders in people with developmental disability and Additional management considerations in children and adolescents.

The management of acute mania in people with developmental disability follows that for the general population (see Acute mania).

For advice on the setting for acute treatment of psychiatric disorders in people with developmental disability, see Setting for acute treatment of a psychiatric disorder in a person with developmental disability.

For information about drug treatment, see:

• Acute mania
• Bipolar depression
• Mixed episodes (dysphoric mania) and rapid-cycling bipolar disorder
• Prophylaxis of bipolar disorder (for maintenance therapy).

For specific considerations when prescribing psychotropic drugs for people with developmental disability, see Pharmacological therapy for a psychiatric disorder in a person with developmental disability.