Current issues in the identification and management of bipolar spectrum disorders in 'special populations'

Bipolar disorder is a common, lifelong condition that can present during ch ildhood, adolescence, adulthood or later in life. It may occur alone but, m ore frequently, is complicated by comorbid psychiatric and medical disorder s. As such, bipolar disorder presents in many different special populations , each of which warrants specific considerations of diagnosis, treatment an d management. This review summarizes common issues concerning recognition o f bipolar disorder, particularly in younger patients, discusses the prevale nce and treatment of anxious disorder and addictive comorbidity, and consid ers bipolar disorder in the institutionalized and forensic populations. Tre atment options and the supporting evidence are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.