More social workers are employed in mental health service settings than any other. They
frequently participate in the treatment of clients with bipolar disorder, a long-term mood disorder
that has a major adverse impact on social functioning. Medication is almost always a major
part of the intervention for these clients. Social workers, in their counseling and case manage
ment activities, often spend more time with these clients than physicians and other members of
the treatment team and thus have key consultative roles in the assessment and monitoring of
medication effects. The purpose of this article is to provide social workers with an overview
of the pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder so that they can carry out their roles more
effectively. This overview includes information about types of appropriate medication and their
dosages, short- and long-term efficacy, side effects, and other relevant considerations for social
workers.
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