Is it important to consider the sex of the patient when using lithium or valproate to treat the bipolar disorder?

- Gender differences in clinical presentation of Bipolar Disorder have been documented.
- Mechanism of action of mood stabilizers suggests that it effects could differ in women and men.
- Scarce clinical studies did not show gender differences in effects of mood stabilizers.
- In women it is important to evaluate reproductive aspects when treating with mood stabilizers.