Bipolar Disorder Psychopharmacology Treatments

  • Describe the key classes of drugs used to treat Bipolar disorder. A “class” of drug usually indicates the drug’s mechanism of action (how the drug exerts is pharmacological effects on the body). Be sure to explain why this class of drugs or classes of drugs would be helpful in treating Bipolar disorder by describing the action of these drugs on the neurotransmitter system(s) involved in the disease process. Within each class of drug, there will be one or more drugs available on the market for use in clinical management, and examples of these should be included in your discussion.
  • Analyze and describe the agonist-antagonist activity of the drugs, and the receptor types and subtypes on which the drugs will exert their pharmacological action. Indicate if these drugs will reverse or slow the disease process, or if they will only help ameliorate symptoms.
  • Conclude with an analysis of the risk-benefit of drug use for Bipolar disorder. Include a discussion of how the drug class(es) would be typically used, what expected benefits would be obtained from drug use, and what common drug side effects might occur.

A minimum of three peer-reviewed or scholarly articles published within the last five-to ten years. These references should focus on pharmacological (drug) treatment of bipolar disorder. These sources should provide evidence-based information to help support your analysis, focusing on the aspects described above.