Recent developments in the treatment of bipolar disorders

Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2003 Oct;12(10):1621-32. doi: 10.1517/13543784.12.10.1621.

Abstract

Recently, many new therapeutic options have become available for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Most of these options are agents originally developed to treat other conditions, such as anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. Some older agents have also been rediscovered or reformulated. New drug combinations and treatment strategies have enabled a more comprehensive treatment of the spectrum of bipolar symptoms, as well as bipolar disorder complicated by a range of comorbidities, to be targeted. A growing range of novel therapeutic options for the treatment of bipolar disorder is under investigation. This paper summarises some of the data regarding these potential therapeutic options.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Bipolar Disorder / epidemiology
  • Bipolar Disorder / therapy*
  • Comorbidity
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Psychotherapy

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3