TOPIC. Advances in the psychopharmacologic treatment of bipolar affective disorders (BPAD). PURPOSE. To increase advanced practice nurses' ability to match prescribing practices with known etiological factors and the neurobiology of this complex set of disorders. SOURCES. Published literature. CONCLUSIONS. A wide array of pharmacological agents exist that can be useful to manage BPAD symptoms. APRNs play a critical role in helping patients and their families to use these drugs effectively.