Diagnosis and Management of Bipolar Disorder in Primary Care

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a relatively common, chronic, recurrent mood disorder. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are essential to reduce morbidity and inappropriate treatment. Family physicians play a central role in screening, initiating pharmacologic and psychosocial management, and coordinating longitudinal care through collaborative, team-based models. This article summarizes current understanding of the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of BD with emphasis on practical strategies for family medicine clinicians to optimize outcomes across diverse care settings.