LAMOTRIGINE-INDUCED MANICEPISODEINA PATIENT WITH COMORBID BIPOLAR DISORDER AND OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER: CASE REPORT

Abstract

The coexistence of obsessive-compulsive disorderand bipolar disorder is a prevalent issue in psychiatry.Population studies have found lifetime prevalence rates of comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorderin bipolar disorder patients ranging between 11.1% and 21%. The primary treatmentforobsessive-compulsive disorder, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can induce manic episodes in bipolar disorder patients. This article presents a case of a 54-year-old woman with bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder comorbidity, who experienced a manic shift after the introduction of lamotrigine, a drug commonly used for bipolar disorder and known for its mood-stabilizing properties. Although lamotrigine has been recommended, especially for patients predisposed to depressive bouts, its potential to induce manic or hypomanic states remains controversial. The presented patients reaction to lamotrigine suggests a possible link between the drug and the onset of manic episodes, especially in those with a history of bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Furthermore, while lamotrigine offers benefits for bipolar depression, healthcare professionals need to exercise caution due to its potential to initiate manic or hypomanic states, especially in patients with complex clinical backgrounds. Comprehensive research and careful post-marketing observations are crucial to better understand the risk-benefit profile of lamotrigine.