Psychiatr. praxi. 2011;12(4):149-152

Acute treatment of bipolar depression

doc.MUDr.Radovan Přikryl, Ph.D.

Ceitec-MU, Psychiatrická klinika LF MU a FN Brno

In the last years new data have been published on the acute treatment of depression of bipolar affective disorder. They have been subsequently

involved in the guidelines and treatment algorithms of bipolar affective disorder. Unfortunately, they often led to conflicting

conclusions and recommendations due to limitations of the available literature. As a general approach during depressive episodes in

bipolar disorder most guidelines suggest lithium, lamotrigine or quetiapine monotherapy as first-line choice. If psychotic features are

present, to add an antipsychotic such as olanzapine, quetiapine or risperidone. The use of an antidepressant with caution, always in

combination with quetiapine, lamotrigine or mood stabilizer. Although guidelines cannot substitute professional knowledge and clinical

judgement, they might be a useful tool for clinicians in order to orientate their practice towards evidence base.

Keywords: bipolar depression, guideline, lamotrigine, treatment, lithium, olanzapine, quetiapine, review, valproate

Published: October 22, 2011  Show citation