Abstract
SummaryBipolar depression remains a major challenge for psychiatric therapeutics. It is associated with disability and excess mortality, and accounts for three-quarters of the time spent in morbid states by treated patients with bipolar disorder. Major limitations of research on the treatment of depression in bipolar disorder include a paucity of short-term and lack of long-term trials, probably reflecting concern about inducing mania. In addition, polytherapy with multiple drugs appears to be widespread, but it is virtually untested for efficacy and safety. Here, we summarise the evidence concerning efficacy of treatment of bipolar depression with antidepressants, mood-stabilising anticonvulsants, lithium and second-generation antipsychotics.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Gain critical appreciation of the paucity of research on the treatment of bipolar depression.•Rationally balance the benefits and risks of using antidepressants in patients with bipolar disorder.•Assess the evidence supporting a range of research-based treatment options for bipolar depression.
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