Table 3.

Assessment and monitoring of major depression with family history of bipolar disorder or suicide.

Careful assessment and follow up of family history

Baseline and follow up monitoring of both manic and depressive symptoms

Weekly monitoring for 4 weeks

Bi-weekly monitoring up to 12 weeks

Use of collateral history

Specific attention to suicidality including impulsive suicidality

Specific attention to psychic or motor agitation

Specific attention to the irritability-hostility-aggression continuum

Follow course long term for alteration in course of illness

Referral to psychiatric services, specialty mood disorders clinics where available