Antidepressants in the treatment of bipolar disorder

Abstract:

The use of antidepressants in the treatment of bipolar disorder is a controversial issue in psychiatry. Depression is a predominant abnormal mood in bipolar disorder and frequently associated with suicidality. Medical help is sought more often for depressive symptoms than manic symptoms. Depressive symptoms also cause more disability than any other manifestation of the illness. Therefore, the use of antidepressants in cases of severe depression with suicidal ideation is justified. Antidepressants can induce mania and rapid cycling of bipolar disorder. Time-limited use of antidepressants (selective serotonine re-uptake inhibitors, monoaminooxidase inhibitors and bupropion) is recommended in combination with mood stabilisers, particularly in the treatment of patients with serious depression and sucidal tendencies

Key words:
adverse effects, antidepressive agents, bipolar disorder, drug therapy, suicide