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KEY POINTS
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, which requires adherence to medications to prevent repeated episodes.
Polypharmacy is the rule in the treatment of bipolar disorder, rather than the exception.
Adverse effects, drug interactions, and cost of medications can lead to nonadherence. Medication therapy management (MTM) providers should be watchful of nonadherence and work with the patient to create a regimen that is both tolerable and affordable.
Inclusion of the patient in a therapeutic alliance can increase adherence to treatment and medications.
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INTRODUCTION TO BIPOLAR DISORDER
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Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic-depressive disorder) is a cyclic mood disorder characterized by recurrent fluctuations in mood, energy, and behavior.1,2 Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness with a variable course, which requires both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment.1,2 Episodes of bipolar disorder include not only major depression but also hypomania, mania, and mixed (Table 15-1).
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