title: Combination therapy versus monotherapy in bipolar disorder.
abstract: Patients experiencing breakthrough manic or mixed episodes during maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder should first be assessed to ensure they are receiving an optimal dose of the first-line medication. If further intervention is needed, one option is to combine an atypical antipsychotic and a mood stabilizer. The decision to use a particular combination should be made on the basis of the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of each medication for individual patients. Psychosocial therapy as an adjunct to medication is also useful in delaying relapse.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences and Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif., USA.
authors.forename: Terence A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Ketter
mesh_terms: D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate