title: Algorithms for the pharmacotherapy of bipolar disorder.
abstract: The algorithms for the treatment of bipolar disorder are presented. Lithium is the first choice when treating acute mania. Other options are antipsychotics or mood stabilizers such as carbamazepine and valproate. Mood stabilizers (often in combinations) are drugs of choice for maintenance treatment. For the treatment of acute depression under lithium maintenance, increase doses of lithium or addition of antidepressants may be necessary.
authors.affiliation: National Center Hospital for Mental, Nervous and Muscular Disorders, Kodarira, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Motohashi
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000465:Algorithms; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D002220:Carbamazepine; D014635:Valproic Acid