of the physical comorbidities. During the follow-up visits, the patients should be educated by providing clear, written instructions regarding health education and directions. Frequent bipolar psychiatric comorbidities like PTSD and substance use or alcohol use disorders are either undetected or under-treated. We recommend thorough psychiatric interviewing and necessary laboratory tests for early diagnosis and treatment of these comorbidities. This could improve the overall psychiatric care for patients with bipolar disorder. Appropriate and regular communication between the primary care physicians and psychiatrists managing the bipolar patients is required in order to maximize integration and provide high-quality health care. We recommend an integrated care model, involving psychiatrists and primary care physicians to improve treatment of both the psychiatric and medical comorbidities in these patients.
