The proposed Bipolar Suicidality Model (BSM) highlights the psychosocial precursors to suicidality in BD, while recognizing the key role of cognitive deficits and underlying functional neurobiological abnormalities. It usefully integrates our knowledge, and provides a novel perspective that is intended to meaningfully inform future research initiatives, and can lead to a better understanding of suicidality in bipolar disorder. Ultimately, it is hoped that it will facilitate the development of targeted interventions that diminish the risk of suicide in bipolar disorder.

The current paper summarises the treatment recommendations relating to each phase of bipolar disorder while providing additional, evidence-based, practical insights. Medication-related side effects and monitoring strategies highlight the importance of safety and tolerability considerations, which, along with efficacy information, should be given equal merit.