Depot antipsychotics in the prophylaxis of bipolar affective disorder.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of depot antipsychotic drugs in the prophylaxis of bipolar affective disorder was investigated.


METHODS
Life charts were constructed for 18 outpatients with bipolar disorder receiving prophylactic treatment with depot medication. The durations of affective episodes were compared during periods on or off medication.


RESULTS
The subjects suffered fewer relapses and spent significantly less time in hospital (P = 0.001) for treatment of manic, depressive and mixed affective illness during treatment with depot antipsychotics.


CONCLUSIONS
Depot antipsychotic medication may be a useful prophylactic treatment for certain patients with bipolar affective disorder.
Littlejohn
R
R
Academic Unit of Human Psychopharmacology, Royal London Hospital.
Leslie
F
F
Cookson
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents