Treatment of bipolar depression: focus on pharmacologic therapies

Abstract

Recent studies have highlighted significant limitations in our capacity to effectively treat bipolar depression. This article reviews the present status of treatments for this condition, highlighting emerging new pharmacotherapies such as lamotrigine, olanzapine and quetiapine, while also addressing modern psychologic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducation. The role of older treatments such as lithium and the antidepressants is also discussed, particularly as a recent meta-analysis has thrown into question current heightened concern over antidepressant-induced mania. The advent of new pharmacologic and psychologic treatments provides optimism for improved outcomes for this highly disabling condition.

Keywords::

• antidepressants
• bipolar depression
• cognitive therapy
• electroconvulsive therapy
• lamotrigine
• lithium
• olanzapine
• psychoeducation