Bipolar affective disorder

Mood stabiliser for bipolar disorder — narrow therapeutic index; requires blood monitoring.

Brands: Lithium carbonate

SA strengths: 250 mg tablet · 400 mg tablet

Typical dosing: Individual mg dosing by serum lithium levels.

Anticonvulsant mood stabiliser — teratogenicity risk; monitor liver function.

Brands: Epilim (sodium valproate)

SA strengths: 200 mg tablet · 500 mg tablet

Typical dosing: Often 500 mg BD–TDS; adjust per levels and tolerability.

Anticonvulsant mood stabiliser — slow titration to reduce rash risk.

Brands: Lamictin (lamotrigine)

SA strengths: 25 mg tablet · 50 mg tablet · 100 mg tablet · 200 mg tablet

Typical dosing: Titration per bipolar protocol; maintenance commonly 100–200 mg daily.

Antipsychotic — low doses sometimes used off-label for sleep; metabolic monitoring.

Brands: Seroquel (quetiapine)

SA strengths: 25 mg tablet · 100 mg tablet · 200 mg tablet · 300 mg tablet

Typical dosing: Psychosis/bipolar doses differ widely from low-dose sedating use.

Structured talking therapy (e.g. CBT) for mental health and adjustment.

Session formats: 50 min session · 60 min session

Typical plan: Typically 50–60 min weekly or fortnightly sessions.

Functional rehabilitation — workplace pacing, ergonomics, ADL retraining.

Session formats: 45 min session · 60 min session

Typical plan: 45–60 min sessions per treating plan.