"Be Guided by the Evidence. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental disorder involving episodes of mania or hypomania and depression and affects up to 5% of the population. Often undiagnosed, bipolar disorder usually begins in adolescence and remains untreated for years although several treatment options are available. In the last decade, research into this disorder has intensified and it now appears that bipolar disorder is a much more common condition than previously thought. This volume provides: Coverage of developments in diagnostic, therapeutic, social and economic issues surrounding bipolar disorder Accompanying commentaries from internationally acclaimed experts An unbiased and reliable reference point This fifth volume in the WPA Series Evidence and Experience in Psychiatry is of relevance to all psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses and policy makers."