Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder in which there are dramatic changes in a person's mood and ability to function. Such periods can last from a few days to weeks. Bipolar disorder includes three types of diagnoses: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

The treatment of bipolar disorder is challenging, as it requires a detailed understanding of psychopharmacology. Patients with bipolar disorder often take several potent drugs (some patients take up to six drugs at a time), which makes it difficult to account for drug interactions and prevent side effects.