The International Journal of Bipolar Disorders is a peer-reviewed, open access online journal published under the SpringerOpen brand. It publishes contributions from the broad range of clinical, psychological and biological research in bipolar disorders. It is the official journal of the ECNP-ENBREC (European Network of Bipolar Research Expert Centres ) Bipolar Disorders Network, the International Group for the study of Lithium Treated Patients (IGSLi) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Bipolare Störungen (DGBS) and invites clinicians and researchers from around the globe to submit original research papers, short research communications, reviews, guidelines, case reports and letters to the editor that help to enhance understanding of bipolar disorders.