Introduction -- Historical perspective -- Clinical description -- Comorbid conditions -- Classification -- Epidemiology -- Etiopathogenesis (psychodynamic theories, biological models, genetics) -- Etiopathogenesis (psychodynamic theories, biological models, genetics) -- Assessment (psychometric, neuropsychological, scales) -- Therapy -- Biological therapies (separate for mania, depression and maintenance) -- Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) -- Meta-analysis -- Open trials -- Review and opinion papers -- Pharmacoepidemiologic data -- Psychosocial therapies -- Treatment guidelines -- Cautions for pharmaceutical treatment in bipolar patients -- Switching to the opposite pole -- Psychogeriatric issues -- Suicidality -- Gender issues -- Pediatric bipolar disorder -- Conclusion.