Managing Risk in Bipolar Disorder: Relapse Prevention, Crisis Planning, and Medication Considerations
Description
Managing Risk in Bipolar Disorder: Relapse Prevention, Crisis Planning, and Medication Considerations is designed to strengthen clinicians’ ability to assess and manage risk across the course of bipolar disorder. The first lesson examines key risk and protective factors associated with symptom recurrence, with an emphasis on identifying modifiable contributors to relapse. The second lesson focuses on the development of relapse prevention plans and evidence-informed approaches to crisis planning and intervention. The final lesson provides a foundational overview of pharmacologic treatments for bipolar disorder tailored to non-prescribing clinicians, emphasizing practical knowledge to support treatment planning, including recognizing common medication classes, monitoring adherence and side effects, and communicating effectively with prescribing providers. Across lessons, the course highlights clinically applicable strategies to reduce relapse risk, enhance patient safety, and support coordinated, interdisciplinary care.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize key principles of medication management in bipolar disorder and the therapist’s role in supporting medication adherence and collaboration with prescribers.
- Identify key risk and protective factors associated with bipolar disorder and recognize appropriate responses to patient risk situations.
- Determine the rationale for developing a relapse prevention plan.
Overview of Lessons
The course is organized into three lessons. Each lesson includes an introduction, video instruction, checks for understanding, and additional resources.
Lesson 1: Managing Risk and Protective Factors: Reducing Symptom Relapse—We explore risk and protective factors in bipolar disorder and how they inform treatment planning, goal setting, and relapse prevention. (13 minutes)
Lesson 2: Relapse Prevention Plans and Managing Crises—We review the step-by-step process of developing a relapse prevention plan and discuss clinical considerations for managing urgent or crisis situations. (26 minutes)
Lesson 3: What Therapists Need to Know About Medications—We review medication approaches for bipolar disorder, including common medication classes, combination treatment, medication timelines, off-label prescribing, and the role of therapists in supporting collaborative care. (32 minutes)
Presenters
Christopher Schneck, MD, DFAPA
Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine; Marsico Endowed Chair for Excellence; Executive Director/Medical Director, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center; Medical Director, CU Medicine Bipolar Clinic
Aimee Sullivan, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine; Clinical Director, CU STEADY Program; FAMILY Team, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center
Continuing Education Credit Option
(APA APPROVAL Language to be added) Completion of the course = 1 CE credit
To earn 1 CE credit for this course, you must complete all of the video lessons, interactions, and the final assessment in this course. A score of 75% or higher on the final assessment is required to receive CE credit. The assessment may be taken up to four times.
