title: Evolving trends in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder.
abstract: The episodic and chronic nature of bipolar disorder usually requires long-term treatment in all patients, yet there is an unmet need for well-tolerated and clinically effective maintenance therapy with enhanced patient adherence. Few well-tolerated treatment options are currently available that are both effective in all phases of bipolar disorder and prevent recurrence of episodes. Lithium has well-established efficacy in the prevention of further manic episodes and may also be effective in the prevention of depression and suicide, but safety is a concern due to narrow therapeutic window. For valproate and carbamazepine, data appear much less compelling. Lamotrigine has shown to be effective for long-term prevention of depressive episodes. Controlled studies suggest that atypical antipsychotics may also have mood-stabilizing properties and might become standard for long-term therapy in the new future. The role of psychoeducation in improving adherence to medication in long-term treatment and overall patient outcomes is also crucial.
authors: Bipolar Disorders Program, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain. evieta@clinic.ub.es
authors: Eduard
authors: E
authors: Vieta
authors: Adriane R
authors: AR
authors: Rosa
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / 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; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008134:Long-Term Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011613:Psychotherapy
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018020:Lithium Compounds