Bipolar II Disorder is a mental disorder characterized by a clinical course of recurring mood episodes consisting of at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. The depressive episode must last at least 2 weeks, and the hypomanic episode must last at least 4 days.
The symptoms of depression or the unpredictability caused by frequent alternation between periods of depression and hypomania causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
During the period of mood disturbance and increased energy and activity, at least 3
of the following symptoms have persisted (4 symptoms if the mood is only irritable), represent a noticeable change from usual behaviour, and have been present to a significant degree:
Distractibility (i.e. - attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli), as reported or observed.
Indiscretion, characterized by excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g. - unrestrained buying sprees, sexual behaviours, or foolish business investments).
Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem.
Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing.
Activity (goal-directed) increasing (e.g. - either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation.
Sleep decreased (e.g. - feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep).
Talkative (more than usual or pressure to keep talking)
Mnemonic
The mnemonic
DIGFAST can be used to remember the criteria for bipolar I and II disorder.
D - Distractibility
I - Indiscretion
G - Grandiosity
F - Flight of ideas
A - Activity increased
S - Sleep decreased
T - Talkativeness
Primer
Bipolar I Disorder is a mental disorder characterized by episodes of highly elevated or irritable mood, known as mania. Individuals may also present with decreased sleep, grandiosity, talkativeness, racing thoughts, and indiscretion or risk-taking behaviours. In some presentations, one's mood can shift very quickly between mania, anger, irritability, and/or depression, indicating a “mixed features” presentation of bipolar disorder.
Epidemiology
The lifetime prevalence for bipolar I disorder is approximately 0.6%, with equal gender distribution. Men typically have more manic episodes and females have more depressive/rapid cycling episodes.
Bipolar I disorder is more common in high income (1.4%) than low income (0.7%) countries. Separated, divorced, or widowed individuals have higher rates of bipolar I disorder.
The combined prevalence rates of all forms of bipolar disorders (bipolar I, II, and unspecified) is 1.8%.
The typical age of onset is at age 20 (in the US), and closer to age 29 (in European countries)
Evidence suggests that age of onset for bipolar disorder has a trimodal distribution pattern, with distinct groups represented by onset in late teens, mid 20s, and early 40s.
Prognosis
With treatment, up to 25% of patients will experience a relapse of symptoms, compared to up to 40% for those on placebo. Risk factors for relapse include young age of onset, psychotic features, rapid cycling, comorbid substance use, and comorbid anxiety.
Between 6 to 7% of individuals will die by
suicide, and suicide is a significant cause of bipolar disorder mortality.
Individuals are at highest risk during and following hospital admission, and over 70% of suicide deaths occur during depressive and mixed episodes. As a result, comprehensive
suicide risk assessments should be done.
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Cognitive deficits (attention, processing speed, executive function) in bipolar disorder are similar to that of
schizophrenia, but less severe.
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Comorbidity
Bipolar disorder is most comorbid with anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and impulse-control disorders (oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and ADHD).
Risk Factors
Individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder often have a history of
anxiety disorder in childhood.
Bipolar disorder is one of the most heritable psychiatric disorders (between 79-93%) which is higher than diseases such as breast cancer.
Monozygotic (identical) twins have 40–45% concordance rates (i.e. - percent chance that the other twins will have bipolar disorder if one has it).
Depressive episodes often precede manic episodes. Individuals with the following depression factors are at higher risk for having bipolar disorder: early age of illness onset (<age 25), highly recurrent depressive episodes, a family history of bipolar disorder, depression with psychotic features, atypical features such as hypersomnia and increased appetite, leaden paralysis, psychomotor agitation, postpartum depression or psychosis, and antidepressant induced irritability.
Relative Risk Factors in Bipolar Disorder
Barnett, J. H et al. (2009). The genetics of bipolar disorder. Neuroscience, 164(1), 331-343.
| Risk Factor | Risk |
| Monozygotic twin affected | 40-45% |
| 1st degree relative affected | 9% |
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
Criterion A
Criterion B
Manic Episode Criteria
Note: Criteria A to D constitute a manic episode.
At least 1 lifetime manic episode is required for the diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. The manic episode may have been preceded by and may be followed by
hypomanic or
major depressive episodes.
Criterion A
A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood AND
Abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week and present most of the day, nearly every day (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary).
Criterion B
During the period of mood disturbance and increased energy and activity, at least 3
of the following symptoms have persisted (4 symptoms if the mood is only irritable), represent a noticeable change from usual behaviour, and have been present to a significant degree:
Distractibility (i.e. - attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli), as reported or observed.
Indiscretion, characterized by excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g. - unrestrained buying sprees, sexual behaviours, or foolish business investments).
Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem.
Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing.
Activity (goal-directed) increasing (e.g. - either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation.
Sleep decreased (e.g. - feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep).
Talkative (more than usual or pressure to keep talking)
Mnemonic
The mnemonic
DIGFAST can be used to remember the criteria for bipolar I and II disorder.
D - Distractibility
I - Indiscretion
G - Grandiosity
F - Flight of ideas
A - Activity increased
S - Sleep decreased
T - Talkativeness
Criterion C
The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or there are psychotic features.
Criterion D
The episode is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g. - a drug of abuse, a medication, other treatment) or to another medical condition.
What If There Is A Medication-induced Mania?
Manic symptoms that are
attributable to the physiological effects of a drug of abuse (e.g. - cocaine or amphetamines), medication or treatment side effect (e.g. - steroids, L-dopa, antidepressants, stimulants), or another medical condition
do not count toward the diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. However, a fully syndromal manic episode that arises during treatment (e.g. - with an antidepressant, electroconvulsive therapy, or light therapy) or drug of abuse, and persists
beyond the physiological effect of the inducing agent (i.e. - after a medication or substance is fully out of the individual’s system or the effects of electroconvulsive therapy would be expected to have dissipated completely) is sufficient evidence for a manic episode diagnosis, and therefore a bipolar I disorder diagnosis.
Specifiers
Episode Specifier
Current or most recent episode manic
Current or most recent episode hypomanic
Current or most recent episode depressed
Current or most recent episode unspecified
Severity Specifier
Mild: Few, if any, symptoms in excess of those required to make the diagnosis are present, the intensity of the symptoms is distressing but manageable, and the symptoms result in minor impairment in social or occupational functioning.
Moderate: The number of symptoms, intensity of symptoms, and/or functional impairment are between those specified for “mild” and “severe.”
Severe: The number of symptoms is substantially in excess of that required to make the diagnosis, the intensity of the symptoms is seriously distressing and unmanageable, and the symptoms markedly interfere with social and occupational functioning.
Remission Specifier
In partial remission: Symptoms of the immediately previous manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode are present, but full criteria are not met, or there is a period lasting less than 2 months without any significant symptoms of a manic, hypomanic, or major depressive episode following the end of such an episode.
In full remission: During the past 2 months, no significant signs or symptoms of the disturbance were present.
With anxious distress
Note: Anxious distress has been noted as a prominent feature of both bipolar and major depressive disorder in both primary care and specialty mental health settings. High levels of anxiety have been associated with higher suicide risk, longer duration of illness, and greater likelihood of treatment nonresponse. As a result, it is clinically useful to specify accurately the presence and severity levels of anxious distress for treatment planning and monitoring of response to treatment.
With mixed features
The mixed features specifier can apply to the current manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode in bipolar I or bipolar II disorder:
Manic or hypomanic episode, with mixed features:
A. Full criteria are met for a manic episode or hypomanic episode, and at least 3 of the following symptoms are present during the majority of days of the current or most recent episode of mania or hypomania:
(1) Prominent dysphoria or depressed mood as indicated by either subjective report (e.g. - feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g. - appears tearful)
(2) Diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities (as indicated by either subjective account or observation made by others)
(3) Psychomotor retardation nearly every day (observable by others and not merely subjective feelings of being slowed down)
(4) Fatigue or loss of energy
(5) Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick)
(6) Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide
B. Mixed symptoms are observable by others and represent a change from the person’s usual behavior
C. For individuals whose symptoms meet full episode criteria for both mania and depression simultaneously, the diagnosis should be manic episode, with mixed features, due to the marked impairment and clinical severity of full mania
D. The mixed symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g. - a drug of abuse, a medication, other treatment)
Depressive episode, with mixed features:
A. Full criteria are met for a major depressive episode, and at least 3 of the following manic/hypomanic symptoms are present during the majority of days of the current or most recent episode of depression:
(1) Elevated, expansive mood
(2) Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
(3) More talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
(4) Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing.
(5) Increase in energy or goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually)
(6) Increased or excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g. - engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)
B. Mixed symptoms are observable by others and represent a change from the person’s usual behavior
C. For individuals whose symptoms meet full episode criteria for both mania and depression simultaneously, the diagnosis should be manic episode, with mixed features
D. The mixed symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g. - a drug of abuse, a medication, or other treatment)
Note: Mixed features associated with a major depressive episode have been found to be a significant risk factor for the development of bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. As a result, it is clinically useful to note the presence of this specifier for treatment planning and monitoring of response to treatment.
With rapid cycling
This specifier (can be applied to bipolar I or bipolar II disorder). There is presence of at least 4 mood episodes in the previous 12 months that meet the criteria for manic, hypomanic, or major depressive episode.
Note: The essential feature of a rapid-cycling bipolar disorder is the occurrence of at least 4 mood episodes during the previous 12 months. These episodes can occur in any combination and order. The episodes must meet both the duration and symptom number criteria for a major depressive, manic, or hypomanic episode and must be demarcated by either a period of full remission or a switch to an episode of the opposite polarity. Manic and hypomanic episodes are counted as being on the same pole. Episodes are demarcated by either partial or full remissions of at least 2 months or a switch to an episode of the opposite polarity (e.g. - major depressive episode to manic episode). Except for the fact that they occur more frequently, the episodes that occur in a rapid-cycling pattern are no different from those that occur in a non-rapid cycling pattern. Mood episodes that count toward defining a rapid-cycling pattern exclude those episodes directly caused by a substance (e.g. - cocaine, corticosteroids) or another medical condition.
Hypothyroidism, antidepressant use, and substance use is associated with rapid cycling. So assessing thyroid function, stopping any offending antidepressants, stimulants, and other psychotropics that might contribute to cycling is critical!
With melancholic features
With atypical features
This specifier can be applied when these features predominate during the majority of days of the current or most recent major depressive episode.
A. Mood reactivity (i.e. - mood brightens in response to actual or potential positive events)
B. 2 or more of the following:
(1) Significant weight gain or increase in appetite
(2) Hypersomnia
(3) Leaden paralysis (i.e. - heavy, leaden feelings in arms or legs)
(4) A long-standing pattern of interpersonal rejection sensitivity (not limited to episodes of mood disturbance) that results in significant social or occupational impairment
C. Criteria are not met for “with melancholic features” or “with catatonia” during the same episode
With psychotic features
Delusions or hallucinations are present at any time in the episode. If psychotic features are present, specify if mood-congruent or mood-incongruent:
With catatonia
This specifier can apply to an episode of mania or depression if catatonic features are present during most of the episode.
With peripartum onset
This specifier can be applied to the current or, if the full criteria are not currently met for a mood episode, most recent episode of mania, hypomania, or major depression in bipolar I or bipolar II disorder if onset of mood symptoms occurs during pregnancy or in the 4 weeks following delivery.
With seasonal pattern
This specifier applies to the lifetime pattern of mood episodes. The essential feature is a regular seasonal pattern of at least 1 type of episode (i.e. - mania, hypomania, or depression). The other types of episodes may not follow this pattern. For example, an individual may have seasonal manias, but his or her depressions do not regularly occur at a specific time of year.
A. There has been a regular temporal relationship between the onset of manic, hypomanic, or major depressive episodes and a particular time of the year (e.g. - in the fall or winter) in bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. Do not include cases in which there is an obvious effect of seasonally related psychosocial stressors (e.g. - regularly being unemployed every winter).
B. Full remissions (or a change from major depression to mania or hypomania or vice versa) also occur at a characteristic time of the year (e.g. - depression disappears in the spring)
C. In the last 2 years, the individual’s manic, hypomanic, or major depressive episodes have demonstrated a temporal seasonal relationship, as defined above, and no non-seasonal episodes of that polarity have occurred during that 2-year period.
D. Seasonal manias, hypomanias, or depressions (as described above) substantially outnumber any nonseasonal manias, hypomanias, or depressions that may have occurred over the individual’s lifetime.
Pediatric Bipolar
Between 1/3 to 2/3 of individuals with bipolar disorder will experience their first mood episode during childhood or adolescence.
Beginning in the 1990s, there was a push for early diagnosis and identification of pediatric bipolar disorder.
This included loosening diagnostic criteria to make the diagnosis, which led to concern and criticism that
overdiagnosis was occurring.
Indeed, the diagnoses of pediatric bipolar disorder quadrupled, raising real concerns about individuals without the disorder being diagnosed with it.
The new diagnosis of
disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) was subsequently created in the DSM-5 to capture patients that did not meet criteria for pediatric bipolar disorder, but yet had significant chronic irritability with behavioural outbursts.
Screening and Rating Scales
Psychometric Scales for Bipolar Disorder
| Name | Rater | Description | Download |
| Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) | Clinician | Most frequently utilized to assess manic symptoms. 11 items on the patient’s subjective report over the last 48 hours plus clinical observations. Takes 15–30 minutes to complete. | YMRS Download |
| Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) | Patient | The MDQ screens for bipolar spectrum disorder, (which includes Bipolar I, Bipolar II and unspecified bipolar disorder). There are 13 self-rated questions. Although the original study claimed a 90% specificity and 70% sensitivity for an eventual diagnosis of bipolar disorder, more recent studies show that the MDQ risks falsely identifying individuals with bipolar disorder. For example, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, substance use disorder, and childhood abuse are associated with false positives on the MDQ. More recent studies have shown that the positive predictive value of the MDQ is only around 55%. | MDQ Download |
Pathophysiology
Genetics
Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) suggest that the ANK3 (ankyrin G) and CACNA1C (alpha 1C subunit of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel) genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder. Both of these genes for for ion channels, and suggest that channelopathies may play a role in the development of bipolar disorder. Other candidate genes for bipolar disorder include:
G30 (DAAO) and G72 genes located on chromosome 13q-32 (associated with mood symptoms)
BDNF gene on chromosome 11 p13-15 region (associated with cognitive impairment and rapid cycling)
COMT gene on chromosome 22q (associated with psychotic symptoms)
XBP1 gene on chromosome 22q12 (underexpressed in bipolar disorder)
DISC1 gene
CLOCK and BMAL1 gene polymorphisms
Neuroimaging
Some of the abnormalities found in patients with bipolar disorder involve the fronto-limbic network, including subcortical structures such as the hippocampus, amygdala and striatum. Some cortical regions are hypothesized to be involved as well.
MRI neuroimaging studies have found:
Smaller hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus and anterior cingulate regions
Larger ventricles
Increased white matter hyperintensities
Widespread cortical thinning
Cortical thickening in those on lithium, and thinning in those on anticonvulsants
Functional neuroimaging studies have shown that there is hyperconnectivity in the default mode network, salience network, and central executive network.
Differential Diagnosis
It is important to keep your differential diagnosis broad to avoid overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Common comorbidities such as substance use disorders, impulse control disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder have a significant symptom overlap with bipolar disorder.
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Anxiety disorders need to be considered as either the primary disorder or a comorbid disorder. A careful
history and psychiatric interview is needed to differentiate generalized anxiety disorder from bipolar disorder, since anxious ruminations may be mistaken for racing thoughts. Similarly, efforts to minimize anxious feelings may be misinterpreted by the clinician as impulsive behavior. Similarly, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) must be differentiated from bipolar disorder. It is helpful to assess the episodic nature of the symptoms described, as well as to consider symptom triggers to help differentiate between the disorders.
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ADHD may be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder, especially in adolescents and children. Many symptoms overlap with the symptoms of mania, such as rapid speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, and decreased need for sleep. One can avoid “double counting” symptoms toward both ADHD and bipolar disorder if the clinician clarifies whether the symptom(s) represents a distinct episode as opposed to the child's baseline personality/symptoms.
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Endocrine dysfunction
Hypo or hyperthyroidism
Hypercortisolemia
Infectious etiologies
Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
There are key differences in the diagnostic criteria between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder. The table below outlines these differences.
Comparison of Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
Mixed Features: Mania and Hypomania Symptoms Can Also Occur During Depressive Episodes!
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Patients with bipolar I and bipolar II disorder experiencing active depressive episodes can also have concomitant manic/hypomanic symptoms at the same time – most commonly distractibility, flight of ideas, racing thoughts, and psychomotor agitation (least common).
Bipolar vs. Depression
Since bipolar disorder often presents first with a depressive episode, individuals may be misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder instead of bipolar disorder. Patients often fail (unintentionally) to report hypomanic/manic episodes as well. A missed diagnosis of bipolar disorder can result in the worse prognosis and inadequate treatment.
Features of Depression that May Increase Suspicion of a Bipolar vs Unipolar Illness
Adapted from: Mitchell, P. B. et al (2008). Diagnostic guidelines for bipolar depression: a probabilistic approach. Bipolar disorders, 10(1p2), 144-152.
| Feature | Suggests Bipolar | Suggests Unipolar Depression |
| Symptomatology and Mental State Signs | • Hypersomnia and/or increased daytime napping
• Hyperphagia and/or increased weight
• Other “atypical” depressive symptoms such as leaden paralysis
• Psychomotor retardation
• Psychotic features and/or pathological guilt
• Lability of mood, irritability, psychomotor agitation, racing thoughts | • Initial insomnia/reduced sleep
• Appetite and/or weight loss
• Normal activity levels
• Somatic complaints |
| Course of Illness | • Early onset of first depression (<25 years)
• Multiple prior episodes (≥5 episodes) | • Late onset of first depression (>25 years)
• Long duration of current episode (>6 months) |
| Family History | • Positive family history of bipolar disorder | • Negative family history of bipolar disorder |
Late-Life Bipolar Disorder
Patients with late-life onset bipolar disorder are a diverse group with high rates of neurologic comorbidities. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment should be done in these patients.
In the elderly who are diagnosed bipolar disorder, there are more mixed episodes with less severity, but longer duration of illness. There is also increased mortality risk due to cardiovascular and physical comorbidity.
Bipolar disorder also contributes to cognitive dysfunction, in particular executive dysfunction, slower processing speed, and visuospatial dysfunction (separate from any Alzheimer's pathology).
Treatment with anticonvulsants confers a higher risk of cognitive impairment, when compared with lithium. Consistent with treatment for bipolar disorder of all ages, lithium is a better treatment option than valproic acid.
Investigations
Baseline investigations should include: CBC, fasting glucose, fasting lipid profile (TC, vLDL, LDL, HDL, TG), platelets, electrolytes and extended electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, phosphate), liver enzymes, serum bilirubin, prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, urinalysis, serum creatinine, eGFR, thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH)
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If history of renal disease: 24h creatinine clearance
If older >40 years or if indicated: electrocardiogram
If woman of childbearing age: pregnancy test, prolactin
Neuroimaging
Neuroimaging should be ordered if there are neurological findings, an abrupt or late age of onset, or if the presentation is different from typical episodes of mania (if the individual has had previous episodes of mania).
MRI findings generally show:
Smaller hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus and anterior cingulate regions
Larger ventricles
Increased White matter hyperintensities
Widespread cortical thinning
Cortical thickening in those on lithium and thinning in those on anticonvulsants
Treatment
Medication
Lithium remains the gold-standard for treatment in all phases of bipolar I disorder, and atypical antipsychotics play an important role in treating acute mania.
Otherwise, picking a mood stabilizer depends on patient factors, their medical history, and other drug interaction factors.
Adherence to pharmacological treatment of bipolar I disorder remains challenging; 1 in 3 patients will be unable to adhere to treatment long-term.
Any individual presenting with mania who are also on
antidepressants or
stimulants should have these medications discontinued to reduce the risk of prolonging a manic episode.
Mood Stabilizers and Predictors of Outcomes
Adapted from: Yatham, L. et al. (2018). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders, 20(2), 97–170.
| Medication | Use If | Possible Adverse Events |
| Lithium | • Classical euphoric grandiose mania (elated mood in the absence of depressive symptoms)
• Classical mania‐depression‐euthymia course
• Fewer prior episodes of illness
• Family history of bipolar and/or lithium response | Renal impairment, thyroid dysfunction, worsening of psoriasis |
| Valproate | • Both classical and dysphoric mania (mixed features)
• Predominant irritable or dysphoric mood
• Comorbid substance use
• History of traumatic brain injury | Teratogen, and PCOS |
| Carbamazepine | • History of traumatic brain injury
• Comorbid anxiety and substance use
• Schizoaffective disorder with mood-incongruent delusions
• Negative family history of bipolar disorder | Teratogen, hepatic CYP enzyme autoinduction, risk of SJS/TEN as well |
| Lamotrigine | • Predominant depressive symptoms (remember that lamotrigine does not treat mania!)
• Comorbid anxiety | Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) |
For Women of Childbearing Age...
Contraceptive counselling and medication risks must be included as part of the comprehensive treatment plan for bipolar disorder. This is for two reasons:
Contraception efficacy: many of the treatments used in bipolar disorder, especially anticonvulsants (such as carbamazepine, topiramate, and lamotrigine) can significantly reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (OCPs), and increase the risk for unintended pregnancy. On the flipside, OCPs can also reduce the efficacy of medications like lamotrigine.
Teratogenicity: valproate products (valproic acid, divalproex) have high teratogenic potential and also increase the risk for developmental disorders in infants exposed to valproate in utero. Thus, women on valproate products should be on contraception, and informed about the risks of using valproate during pregnancy. Additionally, individuals wishing to become pregnant should work with their clinician to switch off from valproate.
Acute Mania
About 50% of patients will have significant improvement on monotherapy within 3 to 4 weeks.
Atypical antipsychotics are frequently used for management of acute mania due to its rapid onset of action and various forms of administration.
Pharmacological Treatments for Acute Mania in Bipolar I
Adapted from: Yatham, L. et al. (2018). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders, 20(2), 97–170.
| 1st line | Monotherapy: lithium, quetiapine (dose range 400 to 800 mg), divalproex, asenapine, aripiprazole, paliperidone (>6mg), risperidone, cariprazine
Combination therapy: quetiapine + Li/DVP, aripiprazole + Li/DVP, risperidone + Li/DVP, asenapine + Li/DVP |
| 2nd line | Monotherapy: olanzapine, carbamazepine, ziprasidone, haloperidol, ECT
Combination therapy: olanzapine + Li/DVP, lithium + DVP |
| 3rd line | Monotherapy: chlorpromazine, clonazepam, clozapine
Combination therapy: Carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine + Li/DVP, haloperidol + Li/DVP, rTMS, tamoxifen, tamoxifen + Li/DVP |
| Not recommended | Allopurinol, eslicarbazepine/licarbazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, Omega-3 fatty acids, topiramate, valnoctamide, zonisamide |
Maintenance
If a patient was treated with both an atypical antipsychotic plus a mood stabilizer (lithium/divalproex) during an episode of acute mania, the benefits of still being on an antipsychotic 6 months after reponse is unclear. Therefore the risks and benefits of using an antipsychotics beyond the 6 month mark should be reassessed in conjunction with the patient.
Olanzapine should not be used as a first line medication due to the risks of
metabolic syndrome.
Pharmacological Treatments for Maintenance Therapy in Bipolar I Disorder
Adapted from: Yatham, L. et al. (2018). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders, 20(2), 97–170.
| 1st line | Monotherapy: lithium, quetiapine, divalproex, lamotrigine (limited efficacy in preventing mania), asenapine, aripiprazole, aripiprazole OM (once monthly)
Combination therapy: quetiapine + Li/DVP, aripiprazole + Li/DVP |
| 2nd line | Monotherapy: olanzapine, risperidone LAI, carbamazepine, paliperidone (>6 mg)
Adjunctive therapy: risperidone LAI
Combination therapy: lurasidone + Li/DVP, ziprasidone + Li/DVP |
| 3rd line | Combination therapy: aripiprazole + lamotrigine, olanzapine + fluoxetine
Adjunctive therapy: clozapine, gabapentin |
| Not recommended | Monotherapy: perphenazine, tricyclic antidepressants |
Depression
Mnemonic for Bipolar Depression Medications
Remember the 3 “L's” for bipolar depression: Lithium, Lurasidone, Lamotrigine.
Patients with acute bipolar I depression who are not on any treatment, should generally start quetiapine monotherapy.
For those already on lithium with a breakthrough depressive episode, adding adjunctive lurasidone, lamotrigine, or quetiapine would be a reasonable first step.
Lamotrigine monotherapy is not recommended for patients with frequent manic episodes because it has limited efficacy in preventing manic episodes.
Pharmacological Treatments for Acute Bipolar I Depression
Adapted from: Yatham, L. et al. (2018). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders, 20(2), 97–170.
| 1st line | Monotherapy: quetiapine (target dose: 300 mg/day), lithium (target level: 0.8-1.2 meq/L), lamotrigine (minimum dose: 200 mg), lurasidone
Combination therapy: lurasidone + Li/DVP
Adjunctive therapy: lamotrigine |
| 2nd line | Monotherapy: divalproex, ECT, cariprazine
Combination therapy: olanzapine-fluoxetine (combination pill)
Adjunctive therapy: SSRIs/bupropion |
| 3rd line | Monotherapy: carbamazepine, olanzapine
Adjunctive therapy: aripiprazole, armodafinil, asenapine, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), ketamine (IV), light therapy ± total sleep deprivation, levothyroxine, modafinil, N‐acetylcysteine, pramipexole, repetitive transmagnetic stimulation (rTMS), SNRI/MAOI |
| Not recommended | Monotherapy: antidepressant, aripiprazole
Combination therapy: lamotrigine + folic acid
Adjunctive therapy: mifepristone |
Should Antidepressants Be Used in Bipolar I Depression?
Antidepressants should never be used as a single monotherapy treatment for bipolar I depression
Antidepressants should also never be used to treat a current mixed episode or in patients with a history of rapid cycling, even if the patient is on a mood stabilizer.
In general, there is very weak evidence for the use of antidepressants and bipolar I depression.
For certain patients, antidepressants could be used in conjunction with a mood stabilizer for acute short term treatment of bipolar depression, with the goal of tapering and discontinuing the antidepressant 6 to 8 weeks after full remission of depressive symptoms.
For a deeper dive into the literature, the STEP-BD trial showed that adjunctive treatment with antidepressants does not improve clinical outcomes in people with bipolar disorder taking a mood stabilizer. Recent randomized clinical trials have shown that antidepressants may worsen outcomes in maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder as well.
Summary
Pharmacological Treatments for Various Phases of Bipolar Disorder
Adapted from: Yatham, L. et al. (2018). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders, 20(2), 97–170.
| | Acute Mania | Acute Depression | Mania Prevention | Depression Prevention | Prevention of Any Mood Episode |
| Lithium | Yes1 | Yes2 | Yes1 | Yes1 | Yes1 |
| Quetiapine | Yes1 | Yes1 | Yes1 | Yes1 | Yes1 |
| Divalproex | Yes1 | Yes1 | Yes3 | Yes1 | Yes1 |
| Lamotrigine | No! | Yes1 | Yes2 | Yes1 | Yes1 |
| Asenapine | Yes1 | No data | Yes2 | Yes2 | Yes2 |
| Aripiprazole | Yes1 | Not recommended! | Yes2 | No | Yes2 |
| Paliperidone | Yes1 | No | Yes2 | No data | Yes2 |
| Olanzapine* | Yes1 | Yes1 | Yes1 | Yes1 | Yes1 |
Psychotherapy
No evidence exists for specific psychosocial interventions in acute mania. However, after treatment of mania, adding psychosocial interventions in addition to medication treatment is very important.
Psychosocial interventions can decrease relapse rates, mood fluctuations, need for medications, hospitalizations, and increase functioning and medication adherence.
Psychoeducation is a first-line treatment in maintenance therapy, and includes providing information about the course of illness, treatments, and coping strategies for both the patient and the family. Psychoeducation can also be delivered in individual or group settings.
Adjunctive Psychological Treatments in Bipolar Disorder
Adapted from: Yatham, L. et al (2018). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders, 20(2), 97-170.
| | Mania | Maintenance | Bipolar Depression |
| 1st line | None | • Psychoeducation (PE) | None |
| 2nd line | None | • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Family-focused therapy (FFT) | • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Family-focused therapy (FFT) |
| 3rd line | None | • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
• Peer support | • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) |
| Insufficient evidence | None | Cognitive and functional remediation, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), family/caregiver interventions, mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT), online interventions | Psychoeducation, cognitive and functional remediation, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), family/caregiver interventions, mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT), online interventions |
ECT
Electroconvulsive therapy is a second line treatment for bipolar mania and bipolar (I and II) depression. It is well-tolerated and safe, and may be useful in cases where rapid resolution of symptoms is required, such as in pregnancy where there is concern about maternal/fetal well-being.
Nutrition
Coenzyme Q10, likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been found to improve symptoms of bipolar depression.
Guidelines
Bipolar Disorder Guidelines
| Guideline | Location | Year | PDF | Website |
| Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) | Canada, International | 2018 | PDF | Link |
| American Psychiatric Association (APA) | USA | 2002 | PDF | • Guideline (2002)
• Guideline Watch (2005)
• Quick Reference |
| National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) | UK | 2014 | PDF | Link |
| British Association for Psychopharmacology (BAP) | UK | 2016 | PDF | Link |
| Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) | AUS, NZ | 2020 | PDF | Link |
Resources
For Providers
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Ng, F., Mammen, O. K., Wilting, I., Sachs, G. S., Ferrier, I. N., Cassidy, F., ... & Berk, M. (2009). The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) consensus guidelines for the safety monitoring of bipolar disorder treatments. Bipolar disorders, 11(6), 559-595.
Research
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
2)
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
3)
Yatham, L. N., Kennedy, S. H., Parikh, S. V., Schaffer, A., Bond, D. J., Frey, B. N., ... & Berk, M. (2018). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders, 20(2), 97-170.
4)
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
5)
Yatham, L. N., Kennedy, S. H., Parikh, S. V., Schaffer, A., Bond, D. J., Frey, B. N., ... & Berk, M. (2018). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders, 20(2), 97-170.
7)
Young, R. C., Biggs, J. T., Ziegler, V. E., & Meyer, D. A. (1978). A rating scale for mania: reliability, validity and sensitivity. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 133(5), 429-435.
9)
Hirschfeld, R. M., Holzer, C., Calabrese, J. R., Weissman, M., Reed, M., Davies, M., ... & Tierce, J. (2003). Validity of the mood disorder questionnaire: a general population study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 160(1), 178-180.
10)
Hirschfeld, R. M., Williams, J. B., Spitzer, R. L., Calabrese, J. R., Flynn, L., Keck Jr, P. E., ... & Zajecka, J. (2000). Development and validation of a screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorder: the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. American journal of psychiatry, 157(11), 1873-1875.
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
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Hirschfeld, R. M., Williams, J. B., Spitzer, R. L., Calabrese, J. R., Flynn, L., Keck Jr, P. E., ... & Zajecka, J. (2000). Development and validation of a screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorder: the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. American journal of psychiatry, 157(11), 1873-1875.
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