This article is freely available to all

This CME activity is expired. For more CME activities, visit CMEInstitute.com.
Find more articles on this and other psychiatry and CNS topics:
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders

Article Abstract

Numerous studies have been conducted on the efficacy of pharmaceutical agents for bipolar mania since the American Psychiatric Association last revised its guidelines for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. Meta-analyses of the available data show that, of the medications that are efficacious, rates of efficacy are similar, but side effects vary. When determining which drug is best for individual patients, clinicians must consider safety and tolerability in addition to efficacy.