Bipolar disorder is characterized by exacerbations of opposite mood polarity, 
ranging from manic to major depressive episodes. In the current nosological 
system of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - 5(th) edition (DSM-5), it is 
conceptualized as a spectrum disorder consisting of bipolar disorder type I, 
bipolar disorder type II, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder not 
otherwise specified. Treatment of all phases of this disorder is primarily with 
mood stabilizers, but many patients either show resistance to the conventional 
mood stabilizing medications or are intolerant to their side-effects. In this 
setting, second-generation antipsychotics have gained prominence as many bipolar 
subjects who are otherwise treatment refractory show response to these agents. 
Aripiprazole is a novel antipsychotic initially approved for the treatment of 
schizophrenia but soon found to be effective in bipolar disorder. This drug is 
well studied, as randomized controlled trials have been conducted in various 
phases of bipolar disorders. Aripiprazole exhibits the pharmacodynamic 
properties of partial agonism, functional selectivity, and serotonin-dopamine 
activity modulation - the new exemplars in the treatment of major psychiatric 
disorders. It is the first among a new series of psychotropic medications, which 
now also include brexpiprazole and cariprazine. The current review summarizes 
the data from controlled trials regarding the efficacy and safety of 
aripiprazole in adult bipolar patients. On the basis of this evidence, 
aripiprazole is found to be efficacious in the treatment and prophylaxis of 
manic and mixed episodes but has no effectiveness in acute and recurrent bipolar 
depression.