Is there a role for neuroleptics in bipolar depression?
BACKGROUND
Lithium, carbamazepine, and valproic acid reduce relapse rates in most bipolar patients. However, some patients with bipolar illness fail to obtain antidepressant benefits from these medications, despite appropriate dosages of and duration on therapy with these drugs.


METHODS
Three bipolar patients were followed in an open fashion on thymoleptic and neuroleptic medications. With discontinuation of neuroleptics, each patient relapsed into depression and was then restarted on neuroleptic treatment.


RESULTS
These three patients responded rapidly to readministration of neuroleptics to their pharmacologic regimen.


CONCLUSIONS
Some bipolar patients experience depressive relapse following neuroleptic discontinuation. With reinstitution of the neuroleptic, they show rapid improvement in mood.
Hendrick
V
V
Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine.
Altshuler
L L
LL
Szuba
M P
MP
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents