Pharmacotherapy of Bipolar I Disorder: Focus on Aripiprazole

Bipolar disorder is a common and complex condition, starting early in life and continuing throughout the life cycle. Most people suffering from bipolar disorder manifest other problems as well, including metabolic disturbances, cardiovascular disease, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, attention defi cit hyperactivity disorder, and borderline personality disorder, among others. The treatment of bipolar disorder needs to be conceptualized within this context of early onset, chronic course, and signifi cant co-morbidity. Because of its unique mode of action, its effi cacy and its good tolerability profi le, aripiprazole is well placed among the different treatment options to benefi t the patient with bipolar disorder. This article will focus on aripiprazole’s pharmacology, effi cacy, effectiveness, and tolerability from a clinical perspective, while considering the complexities of bipolar disorder.