Mood stabilizers (eg, lithium, certain anticonvulsants), a 2nd-generation antipsychotic, or both Support and psychotherapy Treatment of bipolar disorder usually has 3 phases: Acute: To stabilize and control the initial, sometimes severe manifestations Continuation: To attain full remission Maintenance or prevention: To keep patients in remission Although most patients with hypomania can be treated as outpatients, severe mania or depression often requires inpatient management.