In this episode, Dr. Andrew Cutler interviews Dr. Charles Vega about the challenges in identifying and treating bipolar disorder (BD) in primary care settings. They discuss how to effectively manage BD through pharmacological treatment, focusing on the role of primary care providers in collaborating with patients and psychiatric specialists for long-term care. The episode emphasizes the need for better screening, diagnosis, and the strategic use of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and proper monitoring to ensure effective treatment and minimize side effects.

The activity is designed for healthcare providers specializing in mental health, offering insights into BD’s symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies. It provides guidance on pharmacological interventions for BD, including the appropriate use of mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, as well as how to monitor for side effects and adherence. Participants will learn how to coordinate care effectively, educate patients, and collaborate with mental health specialists, which is crucial for managing BD in primary care. The activity also offers CME/CE credits for healthcare professionals upon successful completion.

Reference: Cutler AJ, Vega CP. E233 – (CME) Detecting and Treating Bipolar Disorder in Primary Care. Neuroscience Education Institute. Published September 4, 2024. Accessed May 20, 2025. https://neiglobal.libsyn.com/e233-cme-detecting-and-treating-bipolar-disorder-in-primary-care