Do recent efficacy data on the drug treatment of acute bipolar depression support the position that drugs other than antidepressants are the treatment of choice? A conceptual review.
This conceptual review summarises the results of relevant studies on antidepressants, mood stabilisers such as lithium and anticonvulsants, and second generation antipsychotics in the indication of bipolar depression. Based on methodological and clinical considerations, the position of antidepressants and the possible alternatives in this indication are reviewed very carefully. In addition the regulatory requirements for licensing a drug for the indication "short-term treatment of bipolar depression" are described.
Möller
Hans-Jürgen
HJ
Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany. hans-juergen.moeller@med.uni-muenchen.de
Grunze
Heinz
H
Broich
Karl
K
D000208:Acute Disease; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D017277:Drug Approval; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate