Wednesday, August 11, 2004

The Treatment of Acute Mania in Bipolar Disorder
Article in Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health - " With the approval of a number of atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of mania in bipolar disorder in the last few years, the pharmacologic options for therapy have expanded. Current practice guidelines[1] state that first-line treatment for severe manic or mixed episodes is either lithium plus an antipsychotic or valproate plus an antipsychotic; while for less ill patients, monotherapy with lithium, valproate, or an antipsychotic may be sufficient. Which approach is taken will vary depending on such considerations as diagnosis, state of the patient, hospitalization, and whether the patient is amenable to medication..." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].