The British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines for treatment of bipolar disorder: a summary.

The BAP has provided a review of the research evidence and clinical experience in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It has produced guidelines that give very real practical advice to clinicians in the day-to-day management of this difficult condition. Its recommended enhancement of routine care may well increase adherence to treatment, especially if the patient is involved in choice of medicine, leading to lower overall morbidity. It is timely since awareness of the specific needs of bipolar patients is growing and there is an increased choice of effective treatments for all phases of the illness.