The Expert Committee recommended the inclusion of quetiapine, with a square box indicating aripiprazole, olanzapine, paliperidone as specified therapeutic alternatives, on the core list of the EML for treatment of bipolar disorders. The Committee considered that the evidence presented in the application demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed second-generation antipsychotics in the acute treatment and long-term prevention of mania/hypomania and/or depression in bipolar disorders was similar to that of classic mood stabilizers currently included on the EML (carbamazepine, lithium carbonate and valproic acid). All proposed medicines were shown to be either superior or non-inferior to placebo for acceptability (determined by all-cause discontinuations). The Committee agreed that second-generation antipsychotics have an important role in bipolar disorders in patients who do not adequately respond to or experience adverse events from mood stabilizers. Moreover, the Committee noted that the two classes of medicines may be used in combination in selected patients in clinical practice.