Bipolar Series Course Chair: Lori L. Altshuler, M.D. The last decade has seen a surge of new treatments for bipolar disorder. Many new medications have improved the quality of our patients' lives. Still, certain aspects of the illness remain difficult to treat. The goals in treating bipolar disorder are not only to treat the acute episode but also to prevent reoccurrence. Some patients respond well to acute treatment, but may continue to demonstrate difficulties in remaining symptomatically well with time. Further, while some will respond symptomatically, many patients continue to have difficulties in their work or psychosocial role functioning. This series of lectures on bipolar illness will inform clinicians about current knowledge regarding the course of the illness, attendant comorbidity, new treatment strategies, new or on going treatment trials for both the depressive and manic phases of the illness and the emerging knowledge about bipolar II disorder. The efficacy of some of the newer agents in the treatment of the manic and depressive phases of the disorder will be reviewed. Earn CME Credits in the Convenience of Your Office This online CME course brings you presentations of the latest research findings and clinical applications, live, right in your office. Your entire practice can participate. This is an efficient way to include continuing education in your schedule. Learn from the Experts Stay current with the latest developments in the management of bipolar disorder when you hear from renowned educators and clinicians from around the country. Participate in Cutting-edge Educational Programs Webcasts are live, interactive, educational programs that allow you to send real-time questions to the presenter, discuss patient cases, and participate in audience polling questions. Target Audience This Continuing Medical Education Activity is intended for psychiatrists, other physicians, and practitioners with a special interest in the management of bipolar and other mood disorders. How to Participate In advance of the first webcast in which you plan to participate, visit The Webcast for system requirements and viewing instructions. At the time of the webcast, return to that site to participate. Following the webcast, you will be asked to register to receive CME credit. Print out your CME certificate immediately following the webcast. Sponsorship The course is sponsored by the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. This program is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals. Note: It is the policy of the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute that the sponsor and faculty disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity. Detailed disclosure will be made in the course syllabus materials and the course website.