Bipolar disorder in adults

Include trusted family or friends who can alert the patient and clinician to warning signs of relapse. The patient should work with their doctor to identify individual patterns of relapse and recurrence (e.g., noting that a lack of sleep predates prior manic episodes, so that any future changes in sleep are taken seriously to prevent full syndromal relapse). Encourage patients to speak openly about their experience of bipolar illness, feelings of stigma, and any adverse effects of medications that may threaten adherence and sustained mood stability.