Pharmacotherapy of bipolar mixed states.
OBJECTIVE
Mixed episodes comprise up to 40% of acute bipolar admissions. They are difficult-to-treat, complex clinical pictures. This review provides an overview of the available literature on the pharmacotherapy of manic-depressive mixed states and suggests treatment options.


METHODS
Literature was identified by searches in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Studies were considered relevant if they contained the keywords mixed mania, mixed state(s), mixed episode(s), treatment, therapy, study or trial.


RESULTS
Overall, there were very few double-blind, placebo-controlled studies specifically designed to treat manic-depressive mixed states. Rather, patients with mixed states comprised a sub-group of the examined patient cohorts. Nevertheless, the data show that acute mixed states do not respond favourably to lithium. Instead, valproate and olanzapine are drugs of first choice. Carbamazepine may play a role in the prevention of mixed states. Antidepressants should be avoided, because they may worsen intraepisodic mood lability. Lamotrigine may be useful in treating mixed states with predominantly depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
More treatment studies specifically designed to treat the complex clinical picture of mixed states are clearly needed. Current treatment recommendations for clinical practice based on the available literature can only target select aspects of these episodes.
Krüger
Stephanie
S
Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Division, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. stephanie.krueger@uniklinikum-dresden.de
Trevor Young
L
L
Bräunig
Peter
P
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008094:Lithium