Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorders are chronic and recurrent disorders that affect >1% of the global population.1 

They are a leading cause of disability in young people as they can lead to cognitive and functional impairment and increased mortality, particularly as a result of suicide or cardiovascular disease. Other medical comorbidities (both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric) are common in these patients and might also contribute to increased mortality.1 

Optimal early treatment of patients with both evidence-based medication (typically mood stabilizers and antipsychotics) and psychosocial strategies is necessary.2

Bi-Polar

The treatment of bipolar disorder can be divided into the following components:2

  • Acute treatment of mania and hypomania
  • Acute treatment of depression
  • Maintenance treatment
  • Treatment of comorbidities (e.g. anxiety disorders and substance-use disorders)


Many South African mental illness patients do not receive adequate treatment.3 Research suggests that financial constraints can lead to >20% of patients stopping their medication.3

This highlights the need for high-quality, cost-effective antipsychotic medications for the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.

References
1.

Vieta E, Berk M, Schulze TG, et al. Bipolar Disorders. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018;4(1):18008. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2018.8

2.

Emsley R, Flisher AJ, Grobler G, et al. The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) Treatment Guidelines for Psychiatric Disorders. S Afr J Psych. 2013;19(3):2. doi:10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v19i3.942

3.

Trump L, Hugo C. The Barriers Preventing Effective Treatment of South African Patients with Mental Health Problems. Afr J Psych. 2006;9(4):249-260. doi:10.4314/ajpsy.v9i4.30224