MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Bipolar disorder

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Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania and major depression. Treatment with lithium or mood stabilizers may be effective, but medication regimens are sometimes difficult to tolerate and maintain, thus increasing risk of relapse.

Update Date: 6/22/2000

Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director; G. Eric Morgan, MS3; RxRemedy

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