Treatment of bipolar depression: a survey of Canadian psychiatrists.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to examine how Canadian psychiatrists manage bipolar depression.


METHODS
A questionnaire specific to the treatment of bipolar depression was mailed to 1639 active members of the Canadian Psychiatric Association.


RESULTS
Seven hundred and sixty-six completed questionnaires were returned (46.7%). Most psychiatrists indicated that a combination of psychotherapy and somatic therapy was their preferred approach. For bipolar disorder, depressed, lithium carbonate and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the preferred treatment strategies. For substitution, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were the favoured choice. Lithium carbonate was the preferred choice for augmentation and, addition.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that a combination of psychotherapy and somatic therapy is the preferred treatment approach for bipolar depression. Lithium carbonate and SSRIs are the favoured somatic therapies.
Sharma
V
V
Mood Disorders Unit, London Psychiatric Hospital, Ontario.
Mazmanian
D S
DS
Persad
E
E
Kueneman
K M
KM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002170:Canada; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors