Introduction.- Historical perspective.- Clinical description.- Comorbid conditions.- Classification.- Epidemiology.- Etiopathogenesis (psychodynamic theories, biological models, genetics).- Etiopathogenesis (psychodynamic theories, biological models, genetics).- Assessment (psychometric, neuropsychological, scales).- Therapy.- Biological therapies (separate for mania, depression and maintenance).- Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs).- Meta-analysis.- Open trials.- Review and opinion papers.- Pharmacoepidemiologic data.- Psychosocial therapies.- Treatment guidelines.- Cautions for pharmaceutical treatment in bipolar patients.- Switching to the opposite pole.- Psychogeriatric issues.- Suicidality.- Gender issues.- Pediatric bipolar disorder.- Conclusion. ukryj opis