Bipolar Disorder: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It Matters

TOMA/TXACOFP 17th Annual Convention


Primary care providers are the front line of Psychiatry, treating 40% of office visits for mental health concerns and prescribing 47% of total psychiatric medications. (AAFP.org) Referrals to a Psychiatrist can take 3-6months and in some areas there are no Psychiatrists who accept the patient’s insurance. This course seeks to provide prescribers with high yield questions to identify Bipolar Disorder and improve patient outcomes with treating patients who have conditions that commonly mimic Bipolar Disorder.

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the prevalence of Bipolar Disorder
  2. Understand the proposed neurochemical mechanism of illness in Bipolar Mania and Bipolar Depression
  3. Utilize DSM 5 criteria to evaluate Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders
  4. Identify other conditions that have overlapping symptomatology with Bipolar Disorder
  5. Utilize treatment strategies for Bipolar Disorder and other conditions that contribute to mood instability