Bipolar illness

This chapter records the historical significance of the disorder, mania, a symptom complex that has been recognized since antiquity. It shows the development of the concept of bipolarity and the more recent broadening of the concept. This is followed by etiologic considerations, with emphasis on the genetic components, and its epidemiology, risk factors, clinical picture, course, complications, differential diagnosis, and treatment. Updates in this revision apply to all areas subsequent to the history of the concept. They are particularly extensive in the areas of genetic underpinnings, the onset and course of the illness, those features with prognostic value and the various treatment options. Given the considerable accumulation of new findings since the first edition of this volume there is also a new emphasis on meta-analyses to better allow for tentative conclusions.