Monday, May 19, 2003

Antipsychotics and Bipolar Disorder
The most recent "Bipolar Disorders Expert Column Series" in Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health - "New generation, or atypical, antipsychotics -- medications that were initially developed for the treatment of psychosis in general and schizophrenia in particular -- are being used increasingly in the treatment of bipolar disease. Medications such as olanzapine, which has a formal indication for bipolar disease from the US Food and Drug Administration, clozapine, quetiapine, and risperidone have become important tools for the clinician in helping to stabilize acutely ill bipolar patients and preventing them from becoming ill again. These medications may have efficacy beyond being simply antimanic agents, but may have utility as true mood stabilizers; they may actually help prevent mood fluctuations that interfere with social and occupational functioning...." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].