Introduction

Bipolar illness is related to high rates of hospitalization, suicide, divorce, job loss, and other negative outcomes. Although psychotropic medication is an important component of treatment, the effectiveness of medication is compromised by increased risk of rapid cycling, noncompliance with treatment, and decreased longer-term efficacy. The articles in this issue provide the basis for a cognitive-behavioral approach to the treatment of bipolar illness, stressing psychoeducation, Socratic dialogue, mood monitoring, anticipation of setbacks, suicide prevention, confronting hopelessness, evaluating risky thinking during mania, and precommitment to risk-control strategies.