Long term monitoring is valuable in monitoring is valuable in Bipolar Disorder to faciliate recognition of the variablity in the mood swings associated with the condition, including identification of symptom-free intervals.

Ongoing monitoring also provides an “early warning” system and a method to recognize any patterns of stressful life events that ,ay act as triggers.

Detailed documentation of medication and triggers provides information about adherence and the relationship of the medication and trigger type and schedule to the mood swings.

MOOD CHARTS:

Mood charting is a simplified patient self-report technique derived from the more extensive Life Chart approach. The participation of the patient in providing input to the daily documentation has been found to promote a more involved an d collaborative theraputic alliance with the clinician.

Patient participation serves to reinforce education and information about the condition and how to manage life style

(sleep habits, etc) and promotes active involvement in the management of the disorder.