Fast Five Quiz: Bipolar Disorder With Agitation

W. Clay Jackson, MD, DipTh; Heidi Moawad, MD

Disclosures

February 23, 2023

Monotherapy with antidepressants is contraindicated in patients with bipolar I disorder, as well as during episodes with mixed features, owing to the risk of inducing mania or psychomotor agitation. Bipolar depression is often treated with antipsychotics, such as olanzapine-fluoxetine (in combination), or single agents such as lurasidone or quetiapine. Anticonvulsants, such as lamotrigine or valproic acid, are also appropriate. Although the benefits of antidepressants for patients with bipolar disorder are still controversial, if used, they should be prescribed along with a mood-stabilizing treatment. When starting antidepressants, patients should be closely monitored for signs of mania and/or psychomotor agitation. If symptoms develop, the antidepressant should be discontinued.

Learn more about bipolar disorder.

Editor's Recommendations

Comments

3090D553-9492-4563-8681-AD288FA52ACE
Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.

processing....