Abstract
Definition of mixed episodes has changed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) (DSM-5). A mixed feature specifier can be added not only to major depressive episodes and manic episodes in bipolar patients but also to hypomanic episodes in bipolar II patients and major depressive episode in major depressive disorder. Atypical antipsychotics seem to be effective in acute treatment as well as valproate and carbamazepine. Regarding prophylaxis of mixed states, monotherapy with valproate, olanzapine and quetiapine seems to prevent mixed episodes. Adjunctive therapy with valproate or lithium to quetiapine has also proven to be effective in prophylaxis of mixed episodes. In patients who suffer from pharmacotherapy-resistant mixed episodes electroconvulsive therapy can lead to response/remission. There is a lack of randomized controlled clinical trials investigating pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments with focus on mixed states of bipolar patients, especially according to the DSM-5 definition.
Published Version
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