Explain bipolar I diagnosis and lithium plan — CASC communication station

Station brief

Format. Communication station, approximately 7–10 minutes active time after reading. You are the psychiatry registrar on the inpatient ward preparing for discharge planning. [4]

Candidate instructions. Explain bipolar I disorder after a first manic episode, the rationale for lithium maintenance, baseline and ongoing blood tests, common side-effects and toxicity warning signs, why sleep and early-warning signs matter, and why antidepressant monotherapy is not appropriate if depression returns. Check understanding and invite questions from patient and partner. [4]