Citation

Berk M, Berk L, Davey CG, Moylan S, Giorlando F, Singh AB, Kalra H, Dodd S, Malhi GS. Med. J. Aust. 2012; 1: 32-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Australian Medical Association, Publisher Australasian Medical Publishing)

DOI

10.5694/mjao12.10611

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Depression is usually the predominant phase in bipolar disorder, causes the most psychosocial disability, and carries significant risk of suicide.; The management of bipolar depression is relatively under-studied and poses significant challenges for clinicians.; There is substantial dissent regarding optimal pharmacotherapy for bipolar depression, particularly around the role of antidepressants.; Individual and combination pharmacotherapy should be integrated into a personalised psychosocial and lifestyle package of interventions that considers the person's clinical profile and preferences.; The relative lack of evidence relating to optimal strategies, especially when bipolar depression occurs with common comorbidities, poses challenges and requires further research.; A flexible approach and evidence-based combinations of treatments can provide effective strategies for improving quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality. © 2012, Australasian Medical Publishing Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

disability; human; quality of life; lithium; bipolar depression; psychoeducation; clinical practice; amfebutamone; fluoxetine; serotonin uptake inhibitor; venlafaxine; quetiapine; cognitive therapy; electroconvulsive therapy; mental stress; family therapy; olanzapine; valproic acid; recurrence risk; lamotrigine; hypomania; group therapy; omega 3 fatty acid; transcranial magnetic stimulation; Article; lifestyle modification; psychosocial development