Comparison of long-term monitoring methods for bipolar affective disorder

Long-term monitoring is a clinical necessity in bipolar affective disorder. The most important requirements are usability and value for clinical decisions. Four methods of long-term monitoring - (1) the Adjective Mood Scale by von Zerssen, (2) Kraepelin's early life charts, (3) the NIMH Life Chart Method by Leverich and Post and (4) the Social Rhythm Metric by Monk - were compared regarding the acceptance by patients, the time commitment needed for documentation and training as well as the usability for the clinician regarding psychotherapy and decision support in pharmacotherapy. The Adjective Mood Scale is easiest to learn, Kraepelin's life chart offers the best graphical presentation, the NIMH life charts offer the best clinical decision support and the Social Rhythm Metric integrates a psychotherapeutic approach.