CPD module: bipolar disorder

After completing this module, you should be more aware of:

• the prevalence of bipolar disorder in the UK population
• the nature of symptoms and their impact on daily life
• types of bipolar disorder and how depression, mania and hypomania episodes can occur
• diagnosis and differential diagnoses, and the need for referral to secondary care for confirmation
• the approach to managing an acute episode and how this can then be managed into long-term care
• recommended psychological therapies and drug treatments
• antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilisers recommended in NICE guidance
• safety considerations around using lithium and valproate
• practical advice for people living with bipolar disorder and their carers.