This purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Licarbazepine for the treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of bipolar disorder (type I) with manic or mixed episodes (including patients with/without psychotic features or with/without a history of rapid cycling)
• In need of psychiatric treatment
• Cooperation and willingness to complete all aspects of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current diagnosis other than bipolar I disorder
• History of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
• Drug dependence within 1 month prior to study start or testing positive in a urine drug test
• Suicide attempt within 1 month prior to study start or at immediate risk of harm to self or others
• Any form of psychotherapy within 1 month prior to study start