Treatment of bipolar disorders and metabolic syndrome: implications for primary care.

Recognition of the prevalence of mood disorders and increased availability of medication options have led to calls for treating bipolar disorders in the primary care setting. Second-generation antipsychotic medications (SGAs) were initially lauded for treating bipolar disorders because of their efficacy and perceived safety relative to first-generation antipsychotic medications. Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which may emerge when treating bipolar disorders with SGAs.