Editorial

Therapeutic Dilemmas in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Patients

Authors: Robert G. Bota, MD, Kemal Sagduyu, MD

Abstract

New episodes of bipolar illness can be mitigated or prevented with medication.1 Mood stabilizer medications, such as lithium and anticonvulsive drugs, have a demonstrated efficacy for treatment and prevention of manic episodes. Although interventions such as electroconvulsive therapy2 and psychotherapy3 are often used, all atypical antipsychotic medications have an indication for treatment and maintenance of acute manic episodes. Recent data4 suggest that they may also be used for the treatment of depression associated with bipolar illness.

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