Bipolar Depression: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment in the Outpatient Psychiatry Practice Setting
Peter J. Weiden, MD, University of Illinois at Chicago
Bipolar depression can overlap with major depressive disorder (MDD), but treatments for the 2 disorders diverge, Dr. Weiden explained in an industry-sponsored symposium. Adding an antidepressant to a mood stabilizer is no more effective than a mood stabilizer plus placebo for treating bipolar depression. Lurasidone (Latuda) is indicated for treating a depressive episode in a patient with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate. As monotherapy and adjunctive therapy, lurasidone reduced Montgomery-Åsburg Depression Rating Scale scores score over 6 weeks compared with placebo. Nausea and vomiting are most common adverse effects, then akathisia and sedation.
