Agitation often accompanies manic episodes, and can require specific intervention if severe, or if it persists beyond the resolution of the manic episode.3 Rapid-acting intramuscular or inhaled formulations of antipsychotics can be used first-line to treat agitation, which are particularly useful in patients who are unable or refuse to take oral medication.3
References:
1. McIntyre RS, Berk M, Brietzke E, et al. Bipolar disorders. Lancet 2020; 396 (10265): 1841–1856.
2. Vieta E, Berk M, Schulze TG, et al. Bipolar disorders. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2018; 4: 18008.
3. Yatham LN, Kennedy SH, Parikh SV, et al. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2018; 20 (2): 97–170.