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The Expert Consensus Guideline Series
Medication Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

2000
Gary S. Sachs, M.D.
Director of Partners Bipolar Treatment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
David J. Printz, M.D.

Director of the Bipolar Disorder Research Clinic
and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University
David A. Kahn, M.D.

Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University
Daniel Carpenter, Ph.D.

Vice President for Information Systems, Comprehensive NeuroScience, Inc.
John P. Docherty, M.D.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Comprehensive NeuroScience, Inc.
Editing and Design. Ruth Ross, M.A., David Ross, M.A., M.C.E., Ross Editorial
Acknowledgments. The authors thank Jennifer Alzona, of Expert Knowledge Systems, for managing
the data collection, and Aysegul Yildiz, M.D., of Harvard Medical School, for work on the
bibliography. Dr. Kahn was the project manager.
Reprints. An Adobe Acrobat file of this document may be downloaded from the Internet at the Web
site www.psychguides.com. Reprints may be obtained by sending requests with a shipping/ handling
fee of $5.00 per copy to: AdMail, 840 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615. For pricing on bulk orders
of 50 copies or more, please call Expert Knowledge Systems, L.L.C., at (914) 997-4008. Single or
bulk reprints of the patient-family guide may be obtained from the National Depressive and Manic-
Depressive Association (NDMDA), 800-82-NDMDA (800-826-3632), or from the National
Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264).
Funding. The project was supported by unrestricted educational grants to Expert Knowledge
Systems, LLC, and to the Health Knowledge Improvement Foundation, from Abbott Laboratories,
Janssen Pharmaceutica, Eli Lilly and Company, Glaxo Wellcome, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical,
Pfizer, and AstraZeneca. Drs. Sachs, Printz, Kahn, and Docherty have received clinical trials
contracts, speaking fees, or consulting fees from some or all of these companies. Although we did not
inquire, we also believe that many of the individuals completing the survey have similar relationships.
APRIL 2000 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • 1

Expert Consensus Guideline Series
The Expert Consensus Panel for Bipolar Disorder

The following participants in the Expert Consensus Survey were identified from several sources: recent research publications and
funded grants, the DSM-IV advisers for mood disorders, the Task Force for the American Psychiatric Association’s Practice
Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Bipolar Disorder, and those who have worked on other mood disorder guidelines. Of
the 65 experts to whom we sent the bipolar disorder survey, 58 (89%) replied. The recommendations in the guidelines reflect the
aggregate opinions of the experts and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of each individual on each question.
Michael Allen, M.D. Peter L. Forster, M.D. Michael R. Liebowitz, M.D.
University of Colorado School of Medicine University of California, San Francisco Columbia University
Lori Altshuler, M.D. Mark Frye, M.D. Husseini Manji, M.D.

University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Los Angeles Wayne State University
Claudia Baldassano, M.D. Alan J. Gelenberg, M.D. Lauren Marangell, M.D.

University of Pennsylvania U. of Arizona Health Sciences Center Baylor College of Medicine
Ross J. Baldessarini, M.D. Michael Gitlin, M.D. Charles B. Nemeroff, M.D.

Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital University of California, Los Angeles Emory University School of Medicine
James C. Ballenger, M.D. Joseph F. Goldberg , M.D. Frederick Petty, M.D., Ph.D.
Medical University of South Carolina Cornell Medical Center VA Medical Center, Dallas
Mark S. Bauer, M.D. Robert N. Golden, M.D. Robert M. Post, M.D.

Brown University, VA Medical Center, Providence U. of North Carolina School of Medicine National Institute of Mental Health
Charles L. Bowden, M.D. Paul J. Goodnick, M.D. S. Craig Risch, M.D.

U. of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio University of Miami School of Medicine Medical University of South Carolina
Kathleen Brady, M.D. John H. Greist, M.D. Jerrold F. Rosenbaum, M.D.

Medical University of South Carolina Health Care Technology Systems, Madison, WI Harvard Med. School, Mass. General Hospital
Joseph R. Calabrese, M.D. Laszlo Gyulai, M.D. Peter Roy-Byrne, M.D.

Case Western Reserve University University of Pennsylvania Harborview Medical Center, Seattle
Roy Chengappa, M.D. Robert M.A. Hirschfeld, M.D. Gary S. Sachs, M.D.
Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic U. of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Harvard Medical School
James C.Y. Chou, M.D. Philip G. Janicak, M.D. David A. Solomon, M.D.
Bellevue Hospital, New York Psychiatric Institute, U. of Illinois, Chicago Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital
William H. Coryell, M.D. James W. Jefferson, M.D. Andrew L. Stoll, M.D.

University of Iowa College of Medicine Health Care Technology Systems, Madison, WI Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital
Jonathan R.T. Davidson, M.D. Russell Joffe, M.D. Trisha Suppes, M.D., Ph.D.
Duke University Medical Center McMaster University U. of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
John M. Davis, M.D. Paul E. Keck Jr., M.D. Alan C. Swann, M.D.
University of Illinois University of Cincinnati College of Medicine U. of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston
Lori Davis, M.D. Gabor Keitner, M.D. Michael E. Thase, M.D.

VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
J. Raymond DePaulo, Jr., M.D. Terence A. Ketter, M.D. Peter C. Whybrow, M.D.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Stanford University School of Medicine UCLA, Neuropsychiatric Institute
Steven L. Dubovsky, M.D. Donald F. Klein, M.D. John Zajecka, M.D.

University of Colorado Columbia University Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Med Center
David L. Dunner, M.D. K. Ranga Rama Krishnan, M.D. Carlos Zarate, M.D.
University of Washington Medical Center Duke University Medical Center University of Massachusetts
Rif S. El-Mallakh, M.D. Justine Lalonde, M.D.

University of Louisville School of Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital
Dwight L. Evans, M.D. Robert H. Lenox, M.D.

University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania
2 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • APRIL 2000

MEDICATION TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DISORDER 2000
Contents
Expert Consensus Panel..............................................................................................................................2

Preface ......................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction: Methods, Summary, and Commentary .................................................................................5
Treatment Selection Algorithms ...............................................................................................................14
GUIDELINES
I. TREATMENT OF MANIA
Guideline 1: Initial Strategy for First Manic Episode .............................................................................16
Guideline 2: Next Step After Inadequate Response to Initial Strategy for First Manic Episode ..............18
Guideline 3: Maintenance Treatment After a Manic Episode ................................................................21
Guideline 4: Adequate Dose and Duration of Mood Stabilizers.............................................................24
II. TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DEPRESSION

Guideline 5: Treatment of First Episode of Bipolar Major Depression...................................................25
Guideline 6: Inadequate Response to Initial Strategy for Bipolar Depression .........................................30
III. TREATMENT OF RAPID-CYCLING BIPOLAR DISORDER

Guideline 7: Treatment of Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder ..................................................................36
IV. OTHER TREATMENT ISSUES

Guideline 8: Selecting Medications for Bipolar Presentations That Resemble Other Disorders ..............41
Guideline 9: Use of Thyroid Hormone in Patients With Bipolar Disorder ............................................42
Guideline 10: Managing Special Problems...............................................................................................44
Bibliography .........................................................................................................................................47
SURVEY RESULTS
Expert Survey Results and Guideline References .......................................................................................50
A GUIDE FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES ...........................................................................................97

Preface
McGraw-Hill Healthcare Information Programs is pleased to publish the latest revision of The
Expert Consensus Guideline Series: Medication Treatment of Bipolar Disorder 2000. The practice
guidelines described in this publication have employed the latest survey techniques and reflect
only the most current clinical standards. The result is a practical reference tool not only for clini-
cians but also for mental health educators and other healthcare professionals involved in the care
of patients who have bipolar disorder. These guidelines, assembled under the expert direction of
the editors (Gary Sachs, M.D., David J. Prinz, M.D., David A. Kahn, M.D., Daniel Carpenter,
Ph.D., and John P. Docherty, M.D.), are designed to be easy to follow and use.
Treating patients with bipolar disorder is never easy, and the array of pharmacologic interventions
can be difficult to understand and deploy. These guidelines offer a “one stop” reference. They
deal with the initial and long-term management of common scenarios as well as complicated
treatment issues. Interventions for the specific types of bipolar disorder—mania, bipolar depres-
sion, and rapid-cycling bipolar disorder—are outlined in detail. Initial and secondary options are
presented for each type of disorder, along with advice regarding multiple- vs. single-drug therapy,
side effects, and inadequate response to therapy. The section A Guide for Patients and Families
(page 97), which includes information, resource groups, and a reference list, is exceptionally well
done and will be practical for use by both groups. It will also serve as a helpful primer for primary
care physicians.
The printed publication will now become a valuable addition to my reference library. I hope you
find the guidelines to be beneficial in the care of your patients.
William O. Roberts, MD
Editor-in-Chief
McGraw-Hill Healthcare
Information Programs

Introduction: Methods, Summary, and Commentary

Gary S. Sachs, M.D., David J. Printz, M.D., David A. Kahn, M.D., Daniel Carpenter, Ph.D., John P. Docherty, M.D.
ABSTRACT initial treatment of either depression or mania with rapid

cycling.
Objectives. New treatments for bipolar disorder have been Antipsychotics are recommended for use with the
reported since we first published survey-based expert above regimens for mania or depression with psychosis, and
consensus guidelines in 1996. The evidence for these as potential adjuncts in non-psychotic episodes. Atypical
treatments varies widely; data are especially limited regard- antipsychotics, especially olanzapine and risperidone, were
ing comparisons between treatments and how to sequence generally preferred over conventional antipsychotics.
them. We therefore undertook a new survey of expert Recommendations are also given concerning the use of
opinion in order to bridge gaps between the research electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), clozapine, thyroid hor-
evidence and key clinical decisions. mone, stimulants, and various novel agents for patients
with treatment-refractory illness.
Method. Based on a literature review, a written survey was
prepared which asked about 1,276 options for psycho- Conclusions. The experts reached high levels of consensus
pharmacologic interventions in 48 specific clinical situa- on key steps in treating bipolar disorder despite obvious
tions. Most options were scored using a modified version of gaps in high-quality data. To evaluate many of the treat-
the RAND Corporation 9-point scale for rating appropri- ment options in this survey, the experts had to extrapolate
ateness of medical decisions. We contacted 65 national beyond controlled data; however, their recommendations
experts, 58 of whom (89%) completed the survey. Consen- are generally conservative. Experts reserve strongest
sus on each option was defined as a non-random distribu- support for initial strategies and individual medications
tion of scores by chi-square test. We assigned a categorical for which there are high-quality research data, or for
rank (first-line/preferred choice, second-line/alternate which there are longstanding patterns of clinical usage.
choice, third-line/usually inappropriate) to each option Within the limits of expert opinion and with the under-
based on the confidence interval of its mean rating. Guide- standing that new research data may take precedence,
line tables indicating preferred treatment strategies were these guidelines provide clear pathways for addressing
then developed for key clinical situations. common clinical questions in a manner that can be used
to inform clinicians and educate patients regarding the
Results. The expert panel reached consensus on many key relative merits of a variety of interventions. (Postgrad Med
strategies, including acute and preventive treatment for Special Report. 2000(April):1–104)
mania (euphoric, mixed, and dysphoric subtypes), depres-
sion, and rapid cycling, and approaches to managing the
WHY A REVISION?
complications of treatment resistance and comorbidity.
Use of a mood stabilizer is recommended in all phases When we published the first Expert Consensus Guidelines
1
of treatment. Divalproex (especially for mixed or dysphoric for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in 1996 (based on
subtypes) and lithium are the cornerstone choices among surveys completed in 1995), we were aware that new
this class for both acute and preventive treatment of mania. research and the introduction of new treatments might
Regardless of which is selected first, if monotherapy fails, soon require us to revise them. The 2000 Guidelines are
the next recommended intervention is to use these agents in our first update. We based them on a survey of 58 leading
combination. The combination can then serve as the foun- experts on the medication treatment of bipolar disorder.
dation on which other medications are added, if needed. Because the sheer number of potentially useful medications
Carbamazepine is the leading alternative mood stabilizer has made clinical decisions ever more complex, we elected
for mania. Expert opinion regards other new anticonvul- to focus on medications and not to review options for
sants as second-line options (e.g., if the previously men- psychosocial treatment. Readers may still refer to the
1
tioned mood stabilizers fail or are contraindicated). earlier edition of the Guidelines for information on psy-
For milder depression, a mood stabilizer, especially chosocial issues.
lithium, may be used as monotherapy. Divalproex and The contribution of expert consensus to practice
lamotrigine are other first-line choices. For more severe guideline development continues to evolve throughout
depression, a standard antidepressant should be combined medicine, alongside the “gold standard” of meta-analysis of
with lithium or divalproex. Bupropion, selective serotonin clinical trials and other experimental data. Developers of
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and venlafaxine are preferred guidelines throughout medicine continue to struggle with
antidepressants, and should be tapered 2 to 6 months after the problem that the number of possible combinations and
remission. Divalproex monotherapy is recommended for sequences of available treatments for many diseases makes

it difficult to establish practical guidelines based entirely Figure 2 shows an excerpt from Survey Question 1 as
2, 3
on scientific data. Our group has developed a method for an example of our question format.
describing expert opinion in a quantitative, reliable manner
to help fill some of the gaps in evidence-based guidelines. Figure 2. Sample Survey Question
This method has been applied to a variety of psychiatric
disorders.
1, 4–8 1. Treatment of mania: first episode, initial strategy. A physically
healthy person in his or her 20s presents with a first manic epi-
sode severe enough to warrant hospital admission, or a first hy-
METHOD OF DEVELOPING pomanic episode severe enough to pose a likely eventual threat
EXPERT CONSENSUS GUIDELINES to functioning if unchecked. Based on the dominant symptom
pictures shown below, please rate each of the following overall
Creating the Surveys strategies as an initial intervention, assuming the patient is
We first created a skeleton algorithm based on a literature willing to take oral medication. (Subsequent questions will ask
review. We sought to identify key decision points in the you about specific medications within the broad classes.)
medication treatment of bipolar disorder as well as all the
feasible treatment options. We highlighted important Euphoric Mania
clinical questions that had not yet been adequately ad-
9 Mood stabilizer alone 123 456 789
dressed or definitely answered. A written questionnaire
was then developed covering 48 specific clinical situations, Antipsychotic alone 123 456 789
divided into 166 subsections based on contingencies (e.g.,
subtypes, treatment history, comorbidity) with a total of Mood stabilizer + antipsychotic 123 456 789
1,276 options for intervention. We began with questions
concerning broad strategies, such as classes of medication, Benzodiazepine alone 123 456 789
and then delved into tactics, such as specific medication
Benzodiazepine + mood stabilizer 123 456 789
selection and dosing. The survey took 2 or more hours to
complete. Benzodiazepine + mood stabilizer + 123 456 789
antipsychotic
The Rating Scale
For 1,065 of the options in the survey, we asked raters to
Selecting the Expert Panel
evaluate appropriateness by means of a 9-point scale
slightly modified from a format developed by the RAND We identified 65 leading American experts in bipolar disor-
10
Corporation for ascertaining expert consensus. (The 211 der through the following sources: authors of important
other options asked raters to fill in a blank, such as dosage publications in the past 5 years, recipients of research grants
or duration of treatment.) We explicitly asked the raters to from government or industry, and members of American
consider both personal experience and research evidence Psychiatric Association task forces for bipolar disorder
(we did not provide a literature review) in making their practice guidelines and the affective disorders section of the
ratings, but not to consider financial cost. We presented Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth
the rating scale to the experts with the anchors shown in Edition (DSM-IV). We excluded individuals who had
figure 1. previously declined to complete surveys for us. We sought to
include both new and established clinical investigators.
Figure 1. The Rating Scale
Extremely 1 2 3 456 7 8 9 Extremely Data Analysis for Options Scored on the Rating Scale
Inappropriate Appropriate For each option, we first defined the presence or absence of
9 = Extremely appropriate: this is your treatment of choice consensus as a distribution unlikely to occur by chance by
performing a chi-square test (P<0.05) of the distribution of
7–8 = Usually appropriate: a first-line treatment you would
often use scores across the 3 ranges of appropriateness (1–3, 4–6, 7–
9). Next we calculated the mean and 95% confidence
4–6 = Equivocal: a second-line you would sometimes use
interval (CI). A categorical rating of first-, second-, or
(e.g., patient/family preference or if first-line
third-line was designated based on the lowest category in
treatment is ineffective, unavailable, or unsuitable)
which the CI fell, with boundaries of 6.5 or greater for
2–3 = Usually inappropriate: a treatment you would rarely use first-line, and 3.5 or greater for second-line. Within first-
1 = Extremely inappropriate: a treatment you would never line, we designated an item as “treatment of choice” if at
use least 50% of the experts rated it as 9.

Figure 3. Results of the Euphoric Mania Section of Survey Question 1
95% CONFIDENCE INTERVALS Tr of 1st 2nd 3rd

Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Euphoric Mania
Mood stabilizer alone * 8.0(1.4) 57 88 13 0
Mood stabilizer + benzodiazepine 7.3(1.8) 36 75 20 5
Mood stabilizer + antipsychotic 6.4(2.2) 15 58 26 16
Mood stabilizer + benzodiazepine + antipsychotic 5.4(2.3) 6 40 33 27
Antipsychotic alone 4.0(2.0) 2 13 38 49
Benzodiazepine alone 2.5(1.3) 0 0 13 88
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Displaying the Survey Results Third-line treatments are usually inappropriate or used
only when preferred alternatives have not been effective.
The results of Question 1 (figure 2) are presented graphi-
cally in figure 3. The confidence intervals (CIs) for each No consensus. For each item in the survey, we used a
treatment option are shown as horizontal bars and the chi-square test to determine whether the experts’ responses
numerical values are given in the table on the right. (The were randomly distributed across the 3 categories, which
display of all of the results can be found in the survey suggests a lack of consensus. These items are indicated by
results section, pages 50–96.) an unshaded bar in the survey results.
Statistical differences between treatments. While we did

The Ratings
not perform tests of significances for most treatments, the
First-line treatments are those strategies that came reader can perform an “eyeball” test by looking to see
out on top when the experts’ responses to the survey were whether the CIs overlap (indicating no significant differ-
statistically aggregated. These are options that the panel ence between options by t-test). The wider the gap be-
feels are usually appropriate as initial treatment for a given tween the CIs, the smaller the P value would be (i.e., the
situation. Treatment of choice, * when it appears, is an more significant the difference). In some questions there
especially strong first-line recommendation (having been are striking and important differences within levels, which
rated as “9” by at least half the experts). In choosing we occasionally point out. Often, however, the differences
between several first-line recommendations, or deciding within levels are not significant from a statistical perspec-
whether to use a first-line treatment at all, clinicians should tive. Also, there are sometimes no statistical differences
consider the overall clinical situation, including the pa- between choices rated at the bottom of first-line and those
tient’s prior response to treatment, side effects, general at the top of second-line.
medical problems, and patient preferences.
From Survey Results to Guidelines
Second-line treatments are reasonable choices for
patients who cannot tolerate or do not respond to the first- After the survey results were analyzed and ratings assigned,
line choices. Alternatively, a second-line choice might be the next step was to turn these recommendations into user-
used for initial treatment if the first-line options are friendly guidelines. We distinguish 2 levels, preferred op-
deemed unsuitable for a particular patient (e.g., because of tions and alternate options, that generally correspond to
poor previous response, inconvenient dosing regimen, first- and higher second-line ratings. Whenever the guide-
particularly annoying side effects, general medical contra- line gives more than 1 treatment in a rating level, we list
indication, potential drug-drug interaction, or if the them in the order of their mean scores. As an example, the
experts don’t agree on a first-line treatment). full results of the question presented above are shown on
For some questions, second-line ratings dominated, page 50 and are used in Guideline 1: Initial Strategy for a
especially when the experts did not reach any consensus on First Manic Episode (page 16). A mood stabilizer as mono-
first-line options. In such cases, to differentiate within the therapy is the preferred initial approach for most types of
pack, we label those items whose CIs overlap with the first- mania, while a mood stabilizer plus an antipsychotic was
line category as “high second-line.” clearly preferred for mania with psychosis. As mentioned in

the legend, bold italics indicate treatment of choice rating, stabilizer. However, after resolution of a first episode of
an especially strong opinion. The clinician might try these bipolar depression, antidepressants should be tapered in 2 to
approaches, but move to the combinations with adjunctive 6 months, a much shorter continuation period than is
medications if the patient could not be managed with generally advised for non-bipolar depression. A fourth
monotherapy. Note that the choice of adjunct—benzodia- finding is that either mania or depression with rapid cycling
zepine or antipsychotic—differs with the subtype of mania. should be treated initially with a mood stabilizer alone,
preferably divalproex for either phase. The top-rated choices
for initial medication treatment are shown in table 1.
Summary of Results
The complete set of data from the survey is presented on Table 1. Top-Rated Choices for Initial Medication
pages 50–96. The guidelines derived by the editors from (Assumes no contraindications; adjunctive medications
the data are presented on pages 16–46. Graphic treatment added subsequently if indicated)
algorithms summarizing the expert recommendations are Euphoric mania or Lithium or divalproex
provided on pages 14–15. We summarize the highlights hypomania
here.
Mixed or dysphoric mania Divalproex
Who were the panelists? Of the 65 national experts we Mania with psychosis Divalproex or lithium with
contacted, 58 (89%) completed the survey. Of the 58 antipsychotic (atypical or
completers, 35 (60%) had also completed the 1996 survey. conventional)
The average panelist was 49 years old (standard deviation, Milder depression Lithium
9.3). Most of the panelists (80%) carry out their research
and practice activities in non-Veterans Administration, More severe depression Lithium or divalproex
non-governmental academic medical centers, typically with antidepressant (plus
spending about 25% of their time actually seeing patients; atypical antipsychotic if
delusional)
94% of the panel participated in clinical research on
bipolar disorder in the past 5 years. Most of the panelists Mania or depression with Divalproex
had seen between 20 and 100 bipolar patients in clinical recent rapid cycling
trials in the past year and had treated additional bipolar
patients outside clinical trials. Key comparisons with the last survey. Support for the use of
divalproex has increased. Ratings for lithium and carbamaz-
What was the degree of consensus? Consensus was reached epine remain stable. Lamotrigine, which was included in this
on 950 (89%) of the 1,065 options that used the rating survey for the first time, received positive ratings for the
scale. At least 1 first-line option was identified in 146 treatment of bipolar depression. In an important switch,
(88%) of the 166 subsections. Those areas in which no atypical antipsychotics are now generally rated ahead of
first-line options were identified all involved complex conventionals. Finally, venlafaxine received significantly
comorbidities or treatment-refractory illness. stronger ratings in this survey and joined bupropion and
SSRIs in the group of first-line antidepressants.
What are the key recommendations? In terms of clinical
practice, the single most important recommendation is to Key comparisons with recent literature. While panelists
use a mood stabilizer in all phases of treatment. Divalproex were not asked to review the literature in order to answer
and lithium are the cornerstone choices among this class the survey, we have informally evaluated the degree to
for both acute-phase and preventive treatment. They which their recommendations are supported by evidence.
should be tried first when monotherapy is desired, in (It is interesting to note that a comparison of the 1996
combination when either has failed, and as the bedrock Guidelines with evidence-based guidelines from the Ameri-
upon which other medications may be layered. The leading can Psychiatric Association and other sources revealed no
alternative mood stabilizers are carbamazepine, especially contradictions, but differences in emphasis and in degree
11
for mania, and the newer agent lamotrigine, especially for of specificity. ) The experts mostly favored treatments for
depression. The next major finding is that when an anti- which high-quality data, such as methodologically sound,
psychotic is needed, atypicals are generally preferred over placebo-controlled trials, are available. They showed
conventionals for initial treatment. The only presentation intermediate or less support for treatments for which only
where conventionals join atypicals as a first-line option is less rigorous studies and case reports are available. Even so,
mania with psychosis. A third important finding is that there are many situations for which there are no well-
mild depression should be treated with mood stabilizer controlled data, such as key drug-drug comparisons or the
monotherapy initially, while severe depression should be management of illness that is refractory to first-line treat-
treated from the start with an antidepressant plus a mood ments. In these situations, the panel did not display strong

preferences—rather they supported the reasonableness of will discuss the use of antipsychotics in more detail in a later
trying those options for which there was some evidence. For section of this introduction.
the treatment of refractory illness, they prefer combining or
switching to established treatments (including ECT and
Bipolar Depression
clozapine) before experimenting with less established medi-
cations. The lack of data on major depression in bipolar disorder
makes it a difficult topic to address in evidence-based guide-
lines, but an interesting one on which to examine the consen-
COMMENTARY
sus of opinion. The experts’ recommendations concerning the
What do the new survey results tell us about the state of treatment of depression without rapid cycling have shifted
optimum practice in treating bipolar disorder? In this somewhat since 1995. The experts now lean more toward the
section, we discuss similarities and changes since our last use of a mood stabilizer alone for milder initial episodes. Just
survey in 1995 and consider the relationship between as in 1995, however, they recommend adding an antidepres-
opinion and evidence in the experts’ key decisions. sant from the start for severe depression and would also add
an antipsychotic or give ECT for psychotic depression.
The first choice of mood stabilizer for monotherapy for
Mood Stabilizers for Mania
depression is lithium. However, in contrast with the 1995
Just as in 1995, divalproex and lithium are still the highest survey results, divalproex (not well studied for this use) and
rated first-line treatments for all subtypes of mania. Lith- lamotrigine were both also rated first-line, although below
ium’s numerical scores were unchanged, while scores for lithium. It should be noted that lamotrigine is the only
divalproex increased: scores for divalproex are now nearly medication that has been shown to be effective for bipolar
17
indistinguishable from those for lithium in mania with depression in a large, randomized, controlled clinical trial,
euphoric mood, and divalproex is preferred as the treatment except for studies from decades earlier that showed benefit
of choice for both mixed and dysphoric mania. These from lithium.
findings are consistent with the results of a large-scale It is interesting that the choice of mood stabilizer
prospective clinical trial comparing divalproex, lithium, and changes when it is to be combined with an antidepressant:
12
placebo in acute mania and post hoc analyses of response by lamotrigine drops from the first-line group, and divalproex
13
subtype. Carbamazepine, as in the last survey, remains the rises nearly to the level of lithium. This suggests an emphasis
most favored alternative mood stabilizer, a result that is on using tried-and-true mood stabilizers to guard against
consistent with it being the only other non-antipsychotic antidepressant-induced switches to mania. Only the top
medication that has been shown to be effective for mania in choice, lithium, has been well tested in this situation, and
14
well-designed studies. Lamotrigine received, at best, low was found to protect against mania when combined with
18
second-line ratings as an initial treatment, reflecting the imipramine in a long-term maintenance study.
15
preliminary nature of the evidence for its efficacy and A new topic we asked about in the current survey was
perhaps concern about the need for slow titration of dosage breakthrough depression (i.e., an episode of depression that
to minimize the risk of rashes. Gabapentin was rated mostly occurs while a patient is on maintenance treatment with
a third-line choice, which is consistent with the lack of high- lithium or divalproex). In this situation, the experts favor
16
quality research. Its strongest ratings are for comorbid first maximizing doses of lithium or divalproex. Divalproex,
panic disorder, and as an add-on therapy to other mood lamotrigine, or antidepressants are equally ranked as add-ons
stabilizers. Controlled data for gabapentin are unlikely to be if lithium monotherapy fails, another clear indication of the
published, given the absence of positive findings. Further growing role for lamotrigine.
studies are unlikely, perhaps owing to the imminent expira- Concerning the choice of specific antidepressants, there
tion of its patent and consequent lack of commercial poten- are few data on which the panel could base their opinions.
tial. Its apparent popularity among clinicians may be more As in the last survey, bupropion and SSRIs are among the
for bipolar II disorder (the survey focused more on bipolar I first-line choices for initial therapy, and bupropion is espe-
disorder). A related anticonvulsant, pregabalin, which is not cially favored for more moderate depression. (The available
yet available, may receive more rigorous research. Among SSRIs all received roughly comparable ratings.) It should be
treatments that have been anecdotally reported to be helpful, noted that venlafaxine is now rated as a first-line option,
topiramate and calcium channel blockers were rated as especially for more severe depression; its rating has moved
appropriate for patients who are resistant to other treat- up considerably since 1995 when it had just been intro-
ments, although not for initial therapy. There was some duced. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are still a favored
support for the omega-3 fatty acids but no overall consensus backup and received equal ratings with nefazodone and
on their usefulness, while tiagabine was viewed as generally mirtazapine. As before, tricyclics are the least favored anti-
not helpful. Antipsychotic monotherapy was not highly depressants but received a few strong votes for more severe
recommended except for possible use in psychotic mania; we depression.

In a new question, we asked about strategies for patients mania or depression with rapid cycling, an approach that is
who had not responded to an SSRI. There was strong supported only by case reports.
consensus to switch to bupropion (treatment of choice) or
alternatively to venlafaxine (first-line), rather than to try
Long-Term Preventive Treatment
another SSRI. Bupropion was voted the least likely to cause
a switch to mania both in first episode patients and in those The panel supported using either lithium or divalproex or a
with a history of switching to mania while taking other combination of both, whatever worked during the acute
antidepressants. This result is consistent both with the last phase of treatment, for long-term prevention after a manic
survey and with its being the only antidepressant that has episode. Lithium’s efficacy for prevention is well established
19
been studied prospectively with this question in mind. based on data from the 1970s (although more recent data
For depression that does not respond to an initial also indicate substantial failure rates). The confidence in
treatment regimen of a mood stabilizer plus an antidepres- divalproex reflects clinical experience; it has been harder to
sant, the panel’s confidence in lithium is underscored by the obtain controlled evidence for divalproex in maintenance
recommendation that it be added to any regimen that does treatment due to the difficulty of enrolling suitable patients
23
not include it—especially to augment a partial response. As in randomized, placebo-controlled studies. Nonetheless,
in 1995, the panelists did not have any clear-cut recommen- clinical reports and open, prospective studies show that
dations concerning other augmentation strategies, although divalproex, in some cases added to lithium or even used in
they appear to suggest this sequence: triple therapy in combination with lithium and carbamaz-
epine, may succeed in patients with treatment-refractory
24, 25
● try an anticonvulsant if the patient is not taking one illness, including rapid cyclers. Although we did not ask
(divalproex tied with lamotrigine, carbamazepine next, about the use of carbamazepine as preventive treatment,
26
then gabapentin) small-scale studies have shown benefits for its use alone and
27
or in combination with lithium.
● try another antidepressant
● add thyroid hormone (T3 preferred over T4)
Atypical Antipsychotics
● add a stimulant
● add an atypical antipsychotic, possibly clozapine This discussion would not be complete without mention-
or ing the growing role of atypical antipsychotics in the
for seasonal depression, use phototherapy. treatment of bipolar disorder, especially in light of the
expected Food and Drug Administration approval of
As in mania, a host of unproved treatments (dopamine olanzapine for mania and earlier approvals of conventional
agonists, omega-3 fatty acids, sleep deprivation, topiramate, antipsychotics for manic psychosis. In the current survey,
nimodipine, inositol, buspirone), for which there are only atypical antipsychotics other than clozapine are now rated
anecdotal reports, received equivocal ratings, with the least as first-line agents for adjunctive treatment of mania (as are
support for phenytoin and St. John’s wort. benzodiazepines in non-psychotic cases). Atypical antipsy-
chotics are also rated as first-line agents for combined
treatment of psychotic depression, in contrast to the
Rapid Cycling
panel’s preference for conventional antipsychotics in 1995.
For the manic phase of rapid cycling, divalproex, which was The current panel also strongly preferred atypicals when an
rated treatment of choice in 1995, received still higher antipsychotic is needed for long-term maintenance. Atypi-
ratings in the current survey. Lithium moved up to a first- cals were also highly rated backups in any phase of rapid
line alternative for non-dysphoric cases, while carbamaz- cycling. Conventional antipsychotics received first-line
epine remained the other major first-line choice. In the ratings only for psychotic mania or for patients with mania
depressed phase of rapid cycling, which we did not explicitly who have failed to respond to 1 or 2 atypical antipsychot-
ask about in 1995, divalproex monotherapy was rated ics. Depot conventional antipsychotics received strong
treatment of choice, and lamotrigine and lithium were tied second-line support for the treatment of nonadherent
as lower first-line choices. Antidepressants should be added patients. The results of the current survey are compatible
only if mood stabilizers fail. The strong consensus concern- with available data, including a pivotal study showing that
ing treatments for rapid cycling is generally consistent with olanzapine is more effective than placebo as monotherapy
28 29, 30
the results of open studies and retrospective analyses. These for mania, growing evidence in support of risperidone,
31
show that divalproex and carbamazepine are superior to and preliminary experience with quetiapine. The recent
20, 21
lithium, especially in mania, and that lamotrigine is more evidence also allays earlier fears of frequent “activation” by
22
beneficial in depression than in severe mania. Gabapentin atypicals (although isolated instances may occur). These
received modest support for rapid cycling. Atypical antipsy- data, taken together with the lower risk of extrapyramidal
chotics were a favored add-on for treatment-refractory side effects, support the panel’s conclusions.

How should atypicals be sequenced in treatment? First, tent with a common, though experimentally untested,
although the experts strongly support the adjunctive use of clinical practice.
atypical antipsychotics, they still hesitate to recommend We did not repeat a 1995 question on acute-phase
them over traditional mood stabilizers for monotherapy in doses of antidepressants. The recommendation in the earlier
mania. Second, for an adjunct to add to a mood stabilizer in survey was to start low and go slow, but to aim eventually
hypomania, the panel prefers a benzodiazepine over an for the same maximum doses as in non-bipolar depression.
antipsychotic. The panel gives equal ratings to adjunctive For continuation antidepressant treatment, the experts
benzodiazepines or antipsychotics in more severe mania reiterated their earlier advice to taper after 2 to 6 months of
without psychosis, and endorses antipsychotics as essential in remission, compared with the 6 to 12 months commonly
psychotic mania. This recommendation—to reserve antipsy- recommended for non-bipolar depression. There are few
chotics for more severe cases—is the same as in the last research data on dosing and duration of antidepressant
survey and is consistent with clinical tradition rather than treatment in bipolar disorder.
clear-cut data.
As in the last survey, clozapine is well rated for any
Electroconvulsive Therapy
phase of treatment-resistant illness or for rapid cycling.
32
These uses are supported by well-designed research. Zipra- The experts’ enthusiasm for ECT has not diminished since
sidone, although unapproved for use at the time of this 1995, despite the plethora of new medications. The panelists
survey, was favorably viewed by experts who had used it in favor the use of ECT early in psychotic depression, prefer-
clinical trials for various disorders. It was also mentioned as a ring it to lithium augmentation. They would press for the
good alternative for patients who have gained weight on use of ECT in nonpsychotic depression if the patient has
other medications. had an inadequate response to treatment with 2 mood
The role of atypical antipsychotics as add-on treatments stabilizers, including a trial of lithium, plus 2 antidepres-
and as primary mood stabilizers in different phases of bipo- sants. For a patient having a manic episode who has failed to
lar disorder is an important current research area. respond to lithium and divalproex plus antipsychotics, the
experts gave equal ratings to ECT or adding a third mood
stabilizer. In several questions about treatment resistance or
Dosing and Duration of Treatment
rapid cycling, many experts actually wrote in ECT as a
We did not ask about dosing in our previous survey. In the preference for acute-phase or maintenance treatment even
current survey, we found standard deviations of about 30% when we did not offer it as an option. ECT is well sup-
33
to 40% in recommendations for acute doses of carbamaz- ported by research studies in mania and depression.
epine, divalproex, and lithium and about 50% for long-term
maintenance. The variances were even wider for lamotrigine,
CONCLUSIONS
gabapentin, topiramate, and tiagabine. We were not sur-
prised by the wide variances given the tremendous variability
Limitations and Advantages of
between individuals in metabolism, dose-response require-
Expert Consensus Guidelines
ments, and tolerance for side effects. It is worth noting that
there was greater agreement on doses of the more established These guidelines can be viewed as an expert consultation, to
agents, which is consistent with the availability of far more be weighed in conjunction with other information and in
experimental data. As in the last survey, experts look for a the context of each individual patient-physician relationship.
quick response to a mood stabilizer in mania: if there is no The recommendations do not replace clinical judgment,
response within a week, they would consider using another which must be tailored to the particular needs of each
medication; if a partial response has reached a plateau after 2 clinical situation. We describe groups of patients and make
weeks, the experts would begin to use another medication. suggestions intended to apply to the average patient in each
When initiating treatment of mania with divalproex, group. However, individual patients will differ greatly in
most experts suggest starting with a full therapeutic dose their treatment preferences and capacities, history of response
(e.g., 20 mg/kg/day), often referred to as a “loading dose.” to previous treatments, family history of treatment response,
Consistent with this approach, the panel also believed that and tolerance for different side effects. Therefore, the experts’
one might see results about a day or 2 earlier with dival- first-line recommendations certainly will not be appropriate
proex than with other mood stabilizers (generally advising in all circumstances.
a wait of at least 1 to 2 weeks before adding another mood We remind readers of several other limitations of these
stabilizer). Adjunctive antipsychotics in mania were given guidelines:
less time to prove their mettle—a week or less before the 1. The guidelines are based on a synthesis of the opinions
experts recommend trying a second antipsychotic. The of a large group of experts. From question to question,
experts also were willing to combine atypical and conven- some of the individual experts would differ with the con-
tional antipsychotics in treatment-resistant illness, consis- sensus view.

2. We have relied on expert opinion precisely because we data. Immediate gains can be made by increasing the fre-
are asking crucial questions that are not yet well an- quency at which the best available known treatments are
swered by the literature. One thing that the history of implemented. Guidelines offer a rapid means for communi-
medicine teaches us is that expert opinion at any given cating a distillate of expert opinion. When reaching a clinical
time can be very wrong. Accumulating research will ul- decision point, practitioners and patients can use guidelines
timately reveal better and clearer answers. Clinicians to generate a menu of reasonable choices and then select the
should therefore stay abreast of the literature for devel- option that is judged best for each individual. This process
opments that would make at least some of our recom- drives the next round of expert opinion and the next round
mendations obsolete. We hope to revise the guidelines of empirical studies.
periodically based on new research information and on
reassessment of expert opinion to keep them up-to-date.
3. The guidelines are financially sponsored by the pharma-
ceutical industry, which could possibly introduce biases. REFERENCES
Because of this, we have made every step in guideline de-
velopment transparent, reported all results, and taken 1. Kahn DA, Carpenter D, Docherty JP, et al. The expert
little or no editorial liberty. consensus guideline series: treatment of bipolar disorder. J Clin
4. These guidelines are comprehensive but not exhaustive; Psychiatry 1996;57(Suppl 12a):1–88
because of the nature of our method, we omit some in-
teresting topics on which we did not query the expert 2. Djulbegovic B, Hadley T. Evaluating the quality of clinical
panel. guidelines: linking decisions to medical evidence. Oncology
1998;12 (11A):310–4
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the field.
4. McEvoy JP, Weiden PJ, Smith TE, et al. The expert consen-
sus guideline series: treatment of schizophrenia. J Clin Psy-
Guidelines Research
chiatry 1996;57(Suppl 12b):1–58
It is easy to get experts to agree on key steps, but how
do we know they are right? Two major research projects 5. March JS, Frances A, Carpenter D, et al. The expert consen-
illustrate the power of consensus guidelines and test their sus guideline series: treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
ability to improve care. J Clin Psychiatry 1997;58(Suppl 4):1–72
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34
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1
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ACUTE TREATMENT OF MANIA
Rapid cycling,
Euphoric† Mixed/dysphoric Psychotic
currently manic
Li or Dvp Dvp Dvp or Li Dvp

+
AAp or CAp Add Li or Cbz
add Bzd
change Ap Add AAp
add AAp or add Bzd
Dvp + Li + Cbz
Dvp + Li Dvp + Li
*Clz
change AAp change Ap
or combine
*Lmg
Dvp + Li + Cbz AAp + CAp
*Gbp
offer ECT
Mild/moderate Severe offer ECT
residual symptoms residual symptoms Dvp + Li + Cbz
or add Clz*
*
*
Gbp or Tpr offer ECT
Tpr or T4 or
calcium channel
*
Gbp or Tpr blocker
*
Clz or Gbp
or Tpr
Legend Dvp divalproex

AAp atypical antipsychotic ECT electroconvulsive therapy
Ad antidepressant Gbp gabapentin
Ap antipsychotic Lmg lamotrigine
Bzd benzodiazepine Li lithium
CAp conventional antipsychotic T3 triiodothyronine
Cbz carbamazepine T4 L-thyroxine
Clz clozapine Tpr topiramate
* When adding second-line medications, the clinician may wish to discontinue 1 or

more of the previous medications. Clinicians should avoid combining carbamazepine
and clozapine.
†Recommendations for hypomania are essentially the same as for euphoric mania, but with
less support for the use of antipsychotics.

ACUTE TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DEPRESSION
Not rapid cycling, not psychotic,‡ Rapid cycling,

history of at least 1 manic episode currently depressed
First episode of depression, Breakthrough episode Dvp

currently on no medication
add Li
On Li On Dvp or Cbz
Mild Severe or Lmg
maximize maximize
Li or Dvp Li Dvp add Ad
Li
+ Ad
add Li
add Li add Dvp Cycles Stays
Li + Ad
if on Dvp or Lmg add Ad more depressed
or AD or Lmg
stop Ad change Ad
or change
add or change Ad class of Ad *
T3 or T4
or AAp
*
T4 or AAp
Partial No
*
Gbp or Clz
response response or photo-
*
Gbp or Clz therapy
add Dvp change Ad
or Lmg
add Dvp offer ECT
change Ad or Lmg
offer ECT if severe
T3
*
other mood stabilizers
*AAp
*
Clz, stimulant, ‡For psychotic depression, include an AAp in initial
or phototherapy
treatment; offer ECT at any point.

I. TREATMENT OF MANIA
Guideline 1: Initial Strategy for First Manic Episode

1A. Choice of Treatment Regimen1
The experts consider a mood stabilizer alone as the treatment of choice for mania or hypomania, except in mania with psychosis
where combining the mood stabilizer with an antipsychotic is preferred. If an adjunct is needed in other types of mania, the
experts prefer to use a benzodiazepine unless the severity of the symptoms requires an antipsychotic. Except in psychosis, there
was no clear consensus on when to combine both an antipsychotic and a benzodiazepine with a mood stabilizer, although many
experts believe it is sometimes appropriate. Note: In the survey, the term “mood stabilizer” was used to refer to lithium and
anticonvulsants, but did not include atypical or conventional antipsychotics.
Bold italics = treatment of choice
Clinical presentation Preferred initial strategies Alternate strategies
Mania with psychosis Mood stabilizer + antipsychotic Mood stabilizer + antipsychotic + benzodiazepine
Dysphoric mania or Mood stabilizer alone Mood stabilizer + benzodiazepine
true mixed mania* or
Mood stabilizer + antipsychotic
†
Euphoric mania Mood stabilizer alone Mood stabilizer + antipsychotic
or
Mood stabilizer + benzodiazepine
Hypomania Mood stabilizer alone Mood stabilizer + benzodiazepine
*Dysphoric mania: patient has a manic episode and also meets 2 to 4 diagnostic criteria for depression, but is below threshold for a current
diagnosis of a major depressive episode. True mixed mania: patient meets full criteria for both a manic episode and a major depressive
episode.
†
Euphoric mania: patient has a manic episode without features of depression.
1
Question 1

1B. Choice of Mood Stabilizer2

Divalproex and lithium were chosen from a large list of potential mood stabilizers as the clear standards of care. Divalproex is
the treatment of choice for mania that is mixed, dysphoric, or includes psychosis. In these 3 conditions, lithium is the first-
line alternative but with significantly lower mean scores than divalproex. Lithium is the treatment of choice for euphoric
mania, although its mean rating did not differ significantly from that of divalproex, which is also a first-line option.
Carbamazepine is a very highly ranked second-line alternative for all subtypes of mania. Only when these agents fail or cannot
be used do the experts recommend treatment with lamotrigine or gabapentin. There was less support for topiramate,
tiagabine, and calcium channel blockers.
Clinical presentation Preferred mood stabilizers* Alternate mood stabilizer
Mania with psychosis Divalproex

Lithium
Dysphoric mania or Divalproex
true mixed mania
Lithium
Carbamazepine
Euphoric mania Lithium
Divalproex
Hypomania Lithium
Divalproex
*Note: The experts did not make a distinction between the immediate release and modified release formulations
of lithium. Generic valproate received high second-line ratings.
2
Question 2
1C. Choice of Antipsychotic3

Adding an antipsychotic to the mood stabilizer is the treatment of choice for mania with psychosis and may also be helpful in
other types of mania. In all situations, olanzapine and risperidone were regarded as first-line choices by a majority of the
experts, with the strongest support for olanzapine. In psychotic mania, high-potency conventional antipsychotics were also
rated first-line by a majority of experts. However, overall, the atypical antipsychotics as a class were significantly preferred over
the conventional antipsychotics. The practice of combining conventional and atypical antipsychotics as initial treatment
received the lowest ratings.
Clinical presentation Preferred antipsychotics Alternate antipsychotics*
Mania with psychosis Olanzapine Mid-potency conventional antipsychotic

High-potency conventional antipsychotic Quetiapine
Risperidone
Euphoric mania, dysphoric mania, Olanzapine A high- or mid-potency conventional
or true mixed mania † antipsychotic
Risperidone
Quetiapine
Hypomania No first-line choice Olanzapine or risperidone if an
antipsychotic is needed
*Ziprasidone was not available at the time of the survey, but experts who had used the drug in clinical trials felt that it might have value,
particularly in mania with psychosis (see page 96).
†
Rated very high second-line
3
Question 3

Guideline 2: Next Step After Inadequate Response to Initial Strategy for

First Manic Episode
2A: General Strategy for Next Step4
If the patient has had no response to the first mood stabilizer within 1 to 2 weeks, the experts recommend adding or switching
to another top-rated mood stabilizer (see Guideline 1B). In contrast, if the patient is showing a partial response, the experts
would simply add a second mood stabilizer after 2 to 3 weeks. The only exception to these time frames is when the initial
treatment was lamotrigine, in which case the experts recommend extending the initial trial about a week longer. This may
reflect the need for slower titration of lamotrigine doses.
Response Preferred strategy How long to wait before making a change
No response Add or switch to another mood stabilizer 1–2 weeks

Partial response Add another mood stabilizer 2–3 weeks
4
Question 11 and Kahn D, Carpenter D, Docherty JP, et al. The expert consensus guideline series: treatment of bipolar disorder. J Clin
Psychiatry 1996;57(Suppl 12A):17.
2B: Adding a Second Mood Stabilizer for a Partial Response5

When it is appropriate to combine mood stabilizers, the experts overwhelmingly recommend lithium as the next choice to add
to any of the anticonvulsants. Divalproex is a first-line choice to add to lithium, gabapentin, or carbamazepine. After these,
carbamazepine is preferred before turning to adjunctive gabapentin or lamotrigine. Note: See Guideline 4 for special
instructions on combining divalproex with carbamazepine or lamotrigine.
If initial treatment was Preferred mood stabilizers to add Alternate mood stabilizers to add
Divalproex Lithium Carbamazepine

Lithium Divalproex
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine Lithium
Divalproex
Lamotrigine Lithium Divalproex
Gabapentin Lithium Carbamazepine
Divalproex
5
Question 4

2C: Strategies for Choosing Another Antipsychotic After a Failed Initial Trial6
If a patient is not responding to the combination of a mood stabilizer and an antipsychotic, it may be appropriate to change
the antipsychotic earlier than the mood stabilizer. If the patient is having no response to an initial antipsychotic trial, the
experts recommend waiting only 5 to 10 days before making a change. For a patient who is having a partial response, the
experts recommend continuing the antipsychotic for 1 to 2.5 weeks before changing to another antipsychotic.
If initial class was Preferred strategy* Alternate strategy
Conventional antipsychotic Switch to an atypical antipsychotic

Atypical antipsychotic Switch to a conventional antipsychotic Combine an atypical and a conventional
or antipsychotic
Switch to another atypical antipsychotic
*Many experts commented that it is desirable to overlap (cross-titrate) the medications when switching from one antipsychotic to another.
6
Questions 5 and 6
2D: Continued Treatment Resistance7

A combination of lithium and divalproex is an appropriate strategy for patients with mania who have not responded to
monotherapy plus adjunctive antipsychotic and/or benzodiazepine. Should this combination strategy fail, the experts
recommend continuing the current treatment and adding carbamazepine. In more severe cases of mania, other first-line
options are to change the antipsychotic to clozapine or administer electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In less severe mania,
gabapentin is a second-line choice; there was no consensus on lamotrigine in refractory mania. In milder cases, it may be
possible to simplify the treatment regimen by tapering 1 or more of the initial mood stabilizers while adding the new
medication.
Present status Preferred strategy Alternate strategy
Mania with psychosis Switch to ECT*

or
Continue present medication and add
carbamazepine or clozapine
Severe mania, not psychotic Continue present medication and add Continue present medication and add clozapine
carbamazepine or
or Taper and stop lithium and/or divalproex and
Switch to ECT* add carbamazepine or clozapine
Moderate or mild residual Continue present medication and add Taper and stop antipsychotic and/or
symptoms carbamazepine benzodiazepine and add carbamazepine or
gabapentin
or
Taper and stop lithium and/or divalproex and
add carbamazepine or gabapentin
*Many experts commented on the importance of maintenance ECT for patients whose mania has been difficult to control with medication.
7
Question 7

2E: Other Approaches to Treatment-Resistant Mania8

When standard mood stabilizers and antipsychotics have to failed to produce an adequate response, and if ECT or clozapine is
not suitable for a specific patient, clinicians may need to consider other approaches that have been reported as potentially
helpful for treatment-resistant mania. None of the options we asked about achieved a first-line consensus. However, there was
modest enthusiasm for topiramate, especially when used to augment another mood stabilizer. There was also some support for
the use of nimodipine and other calcium channel blockers.
Consider in place of other mood stabilizers Consider as add-on to other mood stabilizers
Topiramate Topiramate
Nimodipine Nimodipine
Omega-3 fatty acids
Calcium channel blocker other than nimodipine
Tiagabine
Adrenergic antagonist
8
Question 8

Guideline 3: Maintenance Treatment After a Manic Episode

3A: Long-term Maintenance After a Manic Episode9
On the assumption that most patients will have received lithium, divalproex, or a combination of the 2 for an acute manic
episode, we asked the panel whether this regimen should be continued or changed during long-term maintenance. In all cases,
the treatment of choice was to continue the same regimen that had been effective during the acute phase. However, for
patients who had had a significant history of depression prior to their first manic episode and had received divalproex alone
for the manic episode, some experts would consider adding lithium to the maintenance regimen. Including an antidepressant
in the maintenance regimen was a lower second-line option for patients with a history of depression.
If acute phase treatment was Preferred continuation treatment Alternate strategy*
Lithium alone Lithium alone

Divalproex alone Divalproex alone Combine lithium and divalproex or use lithium
alone for a patient with a history of severe
depressions
Lithium + divalproex Lithium + divalproex
*Consider including an antidepressant for patients with a significant history of depression (rated lower second-line).
9
Question 9
3B: Preferred Antipsychotics for Long-Term Maintenance in Combination With

Mood Stabilizers10
It is common practice to taper antipsychotic medications following the resolution of acute manic symptoms. However, some
patients may benefit from long-term treatment with antipsychotics. In this situation, the experts clearly prefer atypical
antispychotics. Conventional antipsychotics received much lower ratings for long-term maintenance than they did for acute-
phase treatment (see Guideline 1C). They may be needed, however, for patients who require a depot formulation because of
adherence problems (see Guideline 10B). Although the experts would consider combining an atypical and a conventional
antipsychotic during the acute phase for a patient having an inadequate response (see Guideline 2C), they do not recommend
this combination strategy for long-term maintenance treatment.
Preferred antipsychotics Alternate antipsychotic*
Olanzapine Quetiapine
Risperidone
*Ziprasidone was not available at the time of the survey, but most experts who had
used the drug in clinical trials rated it more highly than conventional antipsychotics
(see page 96).
10
Question 10

3C: Strategies for Breakthrough Mania During Maintenance Treatment11

Patients maintained on 1 or more mood stabilizers may experience breakthrough episodes of mania.
If patients have been maintained on lithium or divalproex monotherapy, the first step is to increase the dose if possible. If the
patient is already receiving lithium or divalproex alone at a maximum tolerable dose, the first choice would be to add another
mood stabilizer. An alternative first-line strategy would be to add an adjunctive benzodiazepine or antipsychotic.
If a patient is already taking a combination of lithium and divalproex, the experts recommend either adding an adjunctive
agent or a third mood stabilizer. For a patient who has breakthrough episodes on carbamazepine, the experts recommend
increasing the dose. In contrast, for breakthrough episodes that happen with gabapentin or lamotrigine, the experts prefer
adding another mood stabilizer that has better established efficacy.
If current treatment is Preferred strategies Alternate strategies
Lithium alone—low dose Increase lithium Increase lithium and/or add another mood stabilizer
Lithium alone—high dose Add another mood stabilizer
or
Add adjunctive treatment
Divalproex alone—low dose Increase divalproex Increase divalproex and/or add another mood
stabilizer
Divalproex alone—high dose Add another mood stabilizer
or
Add adjunctive treatment
Lithium + divalproex at maximum Add adjunctive treatment
tolerable doses or
Add another mood stabilizer
Carbamazepine Increase carbamazepine Increase the dose and/or add another mood stabilizer
or
Continue carbamazepine at the same dose and add
adjunctive treatments
Gabapentin or lamotrigine Add another mood stabilizer Increase the dose and/or add another mood stabilizer
or adjunctive agent
or
Switch to another mood stabilizer
11
Questions 12 and 13

3D: Choice of Mood Stabilizers to Add for Breakthrough Mania12

When adding an additional mood stabilizer for breakthrough mania, the experts give essentially the same recommendations as
for a patient who is having a partial response and focus on lithium or divalproex. For patients already receiving a combination
of lithium and divalproex, carbamazepine is the preferred option to add on, followed by gabapentin. Otherwise, gabapentin
and lamotrigine are lower rated options. Note: See Guideline 4 for special instructions on combining divalproex with
carbamazepine or lamotrigine.
If current treatment is Preferred mood stabilizers to add* Alternate mood stabilizers to add*
Lithium Divalproex
Carbamazepine
Lithium + divalproex Carbamazepine Gabapentin
Carbamazepine Lithium
Divalproex
Divalproex
Lamotrigine Lithium Carbamazepine
Divalproex
*See Guideline 4 for a discussion of potential drug interactions.
12
Question 14

13
Guideline 4: Adequate Dose and Duration of Mood Stabilizers
The table below presents the experts’ recommendations for acute and maintenance doses of the various mood stabilizers and
acute blood levels of lithium, divalproex, and carbamazepine.
For established agents (lithium, divalproex, and carbamazepine), the wide range of doses reflects the fact that there is great
individual variation in the doses required to achieve recommended serum levels of these agents. Approximately two-thirds of
the experts favor beginning with an initial dose of divalproex that targets the middle of the therapeutic range (often referred to
as a “loading dose”) in appropriate treatment settings. In contrast, the experts commented that the even wider dose ranges for
the newer agents reflect current uncertainty about adequate dosing. In general, the experts prefer to use slightly lower doses
during the maintenance phase of treatment.
Medication* Treatment of acute mania Long-term maintenance

LOW end of HIGH end of
(Doses in mg/day unless Average starting LOW end of HIGH end of
average target average target
otherwise noted) dose average dose/level average dose/level
dose/level dose/level
Carbamazepine dose 400 ± 100 600 ± 200 1400 ± 400

Carbamazepine level, µg/mL 6.1 ± 2.6 12.6 ± 4.2 5.7 ± 1.5 10.8 ± 2.2
Divalproex or valproate dose 750 ± 375 750 ± 375 2750 ± 1000
Divalproex therapeutic
target dose 20 ± 3 mg/kg/day
Valproic acid level, µg/mL 58.9 ± 14.9 120 ± 16.6 56.6 ± 12 109 ± 17
Gabapentin dose 700 ± 300 1200 ± 400 3200 ± 900 900 ± 400 2700 ± 900
Lamotrigine dose 25 ± 12.5 100 ± 50 300 ± 125 100 ± 50 250 ± 125
Lithium dose 900 ± 300 900 ± 300 2100 ± 600
Lithium level, mEq/L 0.7 ± 0.1 1.2 ± 0.1 0.6 ± 0.1 1.1 ± 0.1
Tiagabine dose 4.0 ± 2.0 12 ± 8 32 ± 16 12 ± 8 24 ± 12
Topiramate dose 50 ± 25 125 ± 50 400 ± 250 125 ± 75 350 ± 175
*For convenience, we have adapted the raw data from the survey in the following manner: Mean doses and standard deviations have been
rounded to available pill strengths. For blood levels, we have rounded values to be consistent with standard laboratory reporting practices.
Note on drug combinations:
When adding lamotrigine to divalproex, lamotrigine should be started at 50% of the usual starting dose and increased more slowly. Adding
divalproex to full therapeutic doses of lamotrigine is more problematic because enzyme inhibition caused by divalproex is reported to cause a
2- to 3-fold increase in the half-life of lamotrigine. Clinicians are advised to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the titration of
lamotrigine (see Physicians’ Desk Reference) to minimize the risk of inducing rash.
Adding divalproex to full therapeutic doses of carbamazepine is often problematic because free carbamazepine levels are reported to increase
by 100% to 300% in the presence of divalproex. Adding carbamazepine to full therapeutic doses of divalproex is often better tolerated as
long as the carbamazepine is titrated slowly.
13
Question 11

II. TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DEPRESSION
Guideline 5: Treatment of First Episode of Bipolar Major Depression

5A. Initial Strategy for First Episode of Bipolar Major Depression14
We asked the experts about a patient with a history of mania who has been stable for several years and is currently receiving
no medication, but is experiencing a first episode of depression.
For mild to moderate depression or for a patient whose initial manic episode was precipitated by an antidepressant, the
experts show a slight preference for treatment with a mood stabilizer alone, although combining a mood stabilizer and an
antidepressant is a closely ranked alternative option.
For more severe depression, the experts clearly support combining an antidepressant with the mood stabilizer from the start
(along with an antipsychotic for psychotic depression). ECT is another first-line option for severe depression with psychosis. A
highly rated second-line option for severe psychotic depression is to combine a mood stabilizer and an antipsychotic. In all
cases, the use of an antidepressant alone was rated as generally undesirable.
Clinical presentation Preferred initial strategies Alternate strategies
Severe depression with psychosis Mood stabilizer + antidepressant + antipsychotic Mood stabilizer + antipsychotic
or or
ECT Mood stabilizer + antidepressant
Severe depression without Mood stabilizer + antidepressant Mood stabilizer alone
psychosis or
ECT
Mild to moderate depression Mood stabilizer Mood stabilizer + antidepressant
Initial mania was precipitated by Mood stabilizer Mood stabilizer + antidepressant
antidepressant treatment for
supposed unipolar depression
14
Question 15

5B. Choice of Antidepressant for First Episode of Bipolar Major Depression15

The ratings for the first-line and high second-line options were very close. For the most part, bupropion, venlafaxine, and the
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) all received comparably high ratings for use in a first episode of major
depression in combination with a mood stabilizer. Bupropion stood out as the treatment of choice in moderate depression.
For severe atypical depression, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were a highly rated second-line choice. In all
situations except severe melancholic depression, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were rated significantly lower than all the
other antidepressants, including MAOIs.
Bupropion was clearly rated as the antidepressant least likely to precipitate an episode of mania in a patient who has never
previously received an antidepressant. With the exception of the TCAs, all the other antidepressants, led by paroxetine, were
felt to be relatively safe when used in combination with a mood stabilizer.
Clinical presentation Preferred High second-line Other second-line

antidepressants alternatives alternatives
Severe melancholic depression with Venlafaxine Sertraline Fluvoxamine

or without psychosis Bupropion Citalopram Mirtazapine
Paroxetine Fluoxetine MAOI
TCA
Nefazodone
Severe atypical depression without Bupropion Fluoxetine Nefazodone
psychosis Paroxetine MAOI Mirtazapine
Sertraline Fluvoxamine
Venlafaxine
Citalopram
Mild to moderate depression Bupropion Fluvoxamine Mirtazapine
Paroxetine Nefazodone
Sertraline MAOI
Citalopram
Fluoxetine
Venlafaxine
To avoid precipitating mania in a Bupropion Nefazodone
patient who has never previously Paroxetine The other SSRIs
received antidepressants
Mirtazapine
MAOI
Venlafaxine
Further Recommendation: Dosing of antidepressants: Antidepressants are to be used at the same target therapeutic doses and
16
titrated upward at the same rate as in non-bipolar major depression (“unipolar depression”). However, for patients who have
a history of being easily switched into mania or hypomania on antidepressants, clinicians may want to use more cautious
dosing strategies.
15
Questions 16 and 28
16
Kahn D, Carpenter D, Docherty JP, et al. The expert consensus guideline series: treatment of bipolar disorder. J Clin Psychiatry
1996;57(Suppl 12A):53.

5C. Choice of Mood Stabilizer for First Episode Bipolar Major Depression17
For a first episode of depression in an unmedicated bipolar patient, lithium is the mood stabilizer of choice to use either alone
or in combination with an antidepressant. Divalproex is a first-line alternative. Lamotrigine is also a first-line choice for use
alone, but drops to high second-line for use in combination with an antidepressant. Carbamazepine is a highly rated second-
line option for use either alone or in combination with an antidepressant. Gabapentin is a lower second-line option in both
situations.
For use Preferred mood stabilizers Alternate mood stabilizers
Without an antidepressant Lithium Carbamazepine

Divalproex
Lamotrigine
In combination with an antidepressant Lithium Lamotrigine
Divalproex Carbamazepine
17
Question 17
5D: Choice of Antipsychotics for Bipolar Depression With Psychosis18

The 3 available atypical antipsychotics are preferred over the conventional agents, with olanzapine and risperidone being the
first-line choices.
Preferred antipsychotics Alternate antipsychotics*
Olanzapine Quetiapine
Risperidone High- or mid-potency conventional antipsychotic
*Ziprasidone was not available at the time of the survey, but most experts who had used the drug in clinical trials for other disorders rated it
more highly than conventional antipsychotics (see page 96).
18
Question 18
5E: Duration of Antidepressant and Antipsychotic Treatment19

Most experts recommend tapering antidepressants at some point after remission from a first episode of bipolar depression. For
more severe depressions, they recommend continuing antidepressant treatment for 2 to 6 months beyond the point of
remission before tapering, although about 25% of the experts would continue the antidepressant indefinitely. A slightly
shorter period is recommended for patients with a less severe episode. If patients are also receiving an antipsychotic, the
experts recommend continuing it for almost as long as the antidepressant; however, very few experts would continue it
indefinitely.
How long to continue: Weeks
An antidepressant for severe depression with or without psychosis 9–23

An antidepressant for moderate depression 8–20
An antipsychotic for severe psychotic depression 7–22
19
Question 19

5F: Strategies for a First Episode of Depression as a Switch Immediately After a

Manic Episode20
Patients sometimes switch into depression immediately following the resolution of a manic episode. In a newly diagnosed
bipolar patient, it may not be possible to foresee and prevent such a switch. In this difficult situation, there was no consensus
on first-line strategy. However, a number of strategies received higher second-line ratings. One option is simply watchful
waiting for a few more weeks to see if the episode will resolve spontaneously. Other options depend on the patient’s current
regimen. For patients taking lithium, adding lamotrigine, divalproex, or an antidepressant is acceptable. For a patient taking
divalproex alone, adding lithium is somewhat preferred, but adding an antidepressant or lamotrigine is also acceptable. For
patients already taking a combination of divalproex and lithium, adding an antidepressant is somewhat preferred while adding
lamotrigine is also acceptable. Adding thyroid and adding carbamazepine are lower rated alternatives.
The following clinical situation was presented to the experts:
● first episode of depression that occurred immediately following a first or second manic episode
● patient taking maximum tolerable doses of lithium and/or divalproex
● episode has progressed over 2 weeks to moderate severity
● patient is not suicidal or psychotic
● patient is euthyroid, has never taken antidepressants, and is receiving appropriate psychotherapy
If current treatment is Preferred strategies (none were first-line, no significant differences

between options shown)
Lithium alone Add lamotrigine

Add an antidepressant
Watchful waiting
Add divalproex
Divalproex alone Add lithium
Add an antidepressant
Watchful waiting
Add lamotrigine
Lithium + divalproex Add an antidepressant
Watchful waiting
Add lamotrigine
20
Question 20

5G: Strategies for a First Episode of Breakthrough Depression Delayed Some Time
After a Manic Episode21
Management of the patient whose first episode of depression occurs after a prolonged remission poses somewhat different
problems than the previous situation of an episode of depression that occurs immediately following a manic episode.
Generally the experts prefer to intervene, although a significant minority still felt that watchful waiting for at least a few weeks
was a preferred strategy. Since maintenance doses of mood stabilizers may be lower than acute-phase doses, the first
recommendation is to ensure that the patient is receiving a maximal dose of either lithium or divalproex in monotherapy. If a
combination of low-dose lithium and divalproex is already being used, either of the medications can be increased, although
the preference is to maximize the lithium dose first. For a patient who has a breakthrough depression on a high dose of
divalproex, the first-line choice is to add lithium, with the addition of lamotrigine or an antidepressant as high second-line
options. For breakthrough on high-dose lithium, it is a toss-up whether to add an antidepressant, lamotrigine, or divalproex.
For patients already receiving a combination of maximal doses of lithium and divalproex, the first-line strategy is to add an
antidepressant, with the addition of lamotrigine a high second-line choice.
The following clinical situation was presented to the experts:
● first episode of depression that occurred after a significant period of stability (e.g., 3 to 6 months) following a first or second
manic episode
● episode has progressed over 2 weeks to moderate severity
● patient is not suicidal or psychotic
● patient is euthyroid, has never taken antidepressants, and is receiving appropriate psychotherapy
If current treatment is Preferred strategies Alternate strategy: Add one

of the following
Lithium alone—low dose Increase lithium Divalproex

Lamotrigine
An antidepressant
Lithium alone—high dose Add an antidepressant (high second-line)
or
Add lamotrigine or divalproex (high second-line)
Divalproex alone—low dose Increase divalproex Lithium
An antidepressant
Divalproex alone—high dose Add lithium An antidepressant
Lamotrigine
Lithium + divalproex—both low dose Increase lithium An antidepressant
or
Increase divalproex
Lithium + divalproex—both high dose Add an antidepressant Lamotrigine
21
Question 21

Guideline 6: Inadequate Response to Initial Strategy for Bipolar

Depression
6A: Bipolar Depression Without Psychosis: Strategies After an Inadequate Initial
Response22
Adding an antidepressant is the treatment of choice for patients who have not responded to a mood stabilizer alone. Changing
to another antidepressant is the treatment of choice for patients who have not responded to a combination of a mood
stabilizer and an antidepressant. There is also strong support for lithium augmentation. Other important second-line
alternatives are to add an anticonvulsant if the patient is taking lithium or to add thyroid hormone (T3 preferred over T4; see
Guideline 9C). There was mixed opinion regarding augmentation with stimulants or atypical antipsychotics. Conventional
antipsychotics are not recommended.
Level of response Preferred strategies High second-line alternatives Other second-line alternatives
If little or no response to:

Mood stabilizer alone Add an antidepressant Add lithium if patient is taking
an anticonvulsant
or
Add an anticonvulsant if
patient is taking lithium
Mood stabilizer + Switch to a different Add an anticonvulsant if Add thyroid
antidepressant antidepressant patient is taking lithium or
or Change to another mood
Add lithium if patient is stabilizer while tapering
taking an anticonvulsant the first
If partial response to:
Mood stabilizer alone Add an antidepressant Add an anticonvulsant if
or patient is taking lithium
Add lithium if patient is
taking an anticonvulsant
Mood stabilizer + Add lithium if patient is Switch to a different Change to another mood
antidepressant taking an anticonvulsant antidepressant stabilizer while tapering
or the first
Add an anticonvulsant if
patient is taking lithium
or
Add thyroid
22
Question 22

6B: Bipolar Depression With Psychosis: Strategies After an Inadequate Initial

Response 23
For those patients who are not considered candidates for ECT, the recommendations for psychotic bipolar depression that is
showing little or no response are similar to those shown previously for nonpsychotic depression: adding or changing the
antidepressant and augmenting with lithium. Adding an anticonvulsant if the patient is taking lithium or switching to a
different antipsychotic are highly rated second-line options. Thyroid augmentation is a lower second-line option. Stimulants
are not recommended for use in patients with psychotic depression.
Level of response Preferred strategies Alternate strategies

If little or no response to:
Mood stabilizer + Add an antidepressant Add an anticonvulsant if patient is taking lithium
antipsychotic or or
Add lithium if patient is taking an Switch to a different antipsychotic
anticonvulsant
Antidepressant + mood Switch to a different antidepressant Add an anticonvulsant if patient is taking lithium
stabilizer + antipsychotic or or
Add lithium if patient is taking an Switch to a different antipsychotic
anticonvulsant
Also consider adding thyroid hormone
23
Question 23

6C: Bipolar Depression: Choice of Next Antidepressant24

Consistent with their recommendations for the initial treatment of an episode of bipolar depression, the experts also
recommend adding or switching to bupropion, an SSRI, or venlafaxine if a patient is having an inadequate response. Note
that if the initial medication was an SSRI, the experts are not enthusiastic about switching to another SSRI. If the initial
treatment was venlafaxine, then bupropion is significantly preferred over an SSRI among the first-line options. The overall
message is to add or switch to a second medication that is significantly different from the first medication. MAOIs,
mirtazapine, and nefazodone generally received comparable ratings as second-line alternatives. There was no consensus
regarding the use of TCAs.
If little or no response to Preferred medications to add or switch to Alternate medications to add or switch to
Bupropion SSRI MAOI (after washout)*

Venlafaxine Mirtazapine
Nefazodone
SSRI Bupropion Mirtazapine
Venlafaxine MAOI (after washout)*
Nefazodone
Venlafaxine Bupropion Mirtazapine
SSRI MAOI (after washout)*
Nefazodone
Mirtazapine Bupropion MAOI (after washout)*
SSRI Nefazodone
Venlafaxine
MAOI Bupropion Venlafaxine
Note: Do NOT add other SSRI
antidepressants to an
MAOI. Stop MAOI for Mirtazapine
2-week washout before Nefazodone
starting another
antidepressant.
Nefazodone Bupropion Mirtazapine
SSRI MAOI (after washout)*
Venlafaxine
TCA Bupropion MAOI (after washout)*
SSRI Mirtazapine
Venlafaxine Nefazodone
Further Recommendation: To avoid precipitating a manic episode in a patient who has had a prior episode of mania induced
by an antidepressant of a particular class, the experts recommend bupropion as the first-line choice if not already tried, with
the SSRIs and nefazodone rated high second-line (assuming that the prior episode of mania was not induced by an
25
antidepressant of the same class). With the exception of the TCAs, the other antidepressants are all acceptable alternatives.
*All antidepressant manufacturers recommend washout before beginning an MAOI. Some clinicians report that MAOIs may be cautiously
added to mirtazapine, nefazodone, or a TCA provided there is close monitoring. In no case should an MAOI be combined with an SSRI or
venlafaxine.
24 25
Question 24 Question 28

6D: Bipolar Depression: Choice of Next Mood Stabilizer26

This table shows the recommendations for a patient with moderate to severe depression who has had little or no response to
treatment with an antidepressant plus a mood stabilizer (as well as an antipsychotic if psychosis is present). If the clinician has
decided to add or switch to another mood stabilizer, lithium is the treatment of choice when the initial treatment was an
anticonvulsant. Lamotrigine and divalproex are other first-line choices, while carbamazepine is a highly rated second-line
option. Gabapentin is an acceptable second-line alternative. There is less support for adding another anticonvulsant when
lamotrigine was the initial treatment, presumably because of concern about drug interactions.
If little or no response to Preferred medications to add or switch to Alternate medications to add or switch to

Lamotrigine Gabapentin
Lithium Divalproex Gabapentin
Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine Lithium Gabapentin
Lamotrigine
Divalproex
Lamotrigine Lithium Divalproex
Carbamazepine
Gabapentin
Divalproex
Lamotrigine
26
Question 25

6E: Bipolar Depression With Psychotic Features: Choice of Next Antipsychotic27

The experts recommend switching to an atypical antipsychotic if the patient is having an inadequate response to a
conventional antipsychotic or switching to a different atypical if the first atypical does not produce an adequate response.
There was no consensus on combining conventional and atypical antipsychotics.
If little or no response to: Preferred next step Alternate next step
Conventional antipsychotic Switch to an atypical antipsychotic other than Switch to clozapine

clozapine
Atypical antipsychotic Switch to a different atypical antipsychotic Switch to a conventional antipsychotic or
other than clozapine clozapine
27
Question 26
6F: Treatment-Refractory Bipolar Depression: When to Consider ECT28

ECT may be used at the beginning of treatment for patients who prefer it, for those who have psychotic depression (see
Guideline 5A), or for those who are at risk for suicide or are medically compromised. Often, however, patients and clinicians
prefer to begin with medications. The number of medication trials to undertake before switching to ECT depends on the
severity of the illness. For severe psychotic depression, the experts recommend ECT as the treatment of choice for patients
who have not responded to a trial of any single mood stabilizer and any 2 antidepressants. For severe nonpsychotic depression,
the experts favor including lithium in the treatment regimen before proceeding to ECT. ECT may be a second-line option for
patients with moderate bipolar depression who have failed to respond to trials of multiple mood stabilizers and multiple
antidepressants.
In the following situations Consider ECT if little or no response to
Severe psychotic depression (assume the patient Any mood stabilizer plus 2 trials of antidepressants
has also been receiving an antipsychotic)
Severe nonpsychotic depression Lithium (with or without an anticonvulsant) plus 2 trials of
antidepressants
Moderate depression Only after trials of at least 2 mood stabilizers and 2 antidepressants
28
Question 27

6G: Other Approaches to Treatment-Refractory Bipolar Depression29

A wide range of treatments has been anecdotally reported to be helpful for treatment-refractory depression, whether unipolar
or bipolar. We asked the experts to consider a range of these novel treatments for a patient who has failed to respond to
numerous combinations of lithium, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and thyroid hormone augmentation (assuming that
rapid cycling, substance abuse, and psychosocial stress are not factors and that ECT is not an option).
No options were rated first-line. The higher second-line choices are light therapy for seasonal depression, atypical
antipsychotics including clozapine, and stimulants as augmentation for patients who are already taking an antidepressant. As
can be seen from the table, a number of other novel approaches might be considered second-line options. Among the options
we asked about, St. John’s wort and tiagabine received relatively low ratings, and phenytoin received the least support.
To use in combination with High second-line Other second-line
Mood stabilizer without Light therapy for seasonal depression Stimulant

antidepressant
Atypical antipsychotic including clozapine Dopamine agonist other than stimulant
Omega-3 fatty acids
Sleep deprivation
Topiramate
Nimodipine
Inositol
Buspirone
Light therapy in nonseasonal depression
Mood stabilizer with Light therapy for seasonal depression Dopamine agonist other than stimulant
antidepressant
Atypical antipsychotic including clozapine Pindolol augmentation
Stimulant Omega-3 fatty acids
Buspirone
Sleep deprivation
Nimodipine
Topiramate
Inositol
29
Question 29

III. TREATMENT OF RAPID-CYCLING BIPOLAR DISORDER
Guideline 7: Treatment of Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder

7A. Overall Strategies for Rapid Cycling30
If a rapid-cycling patient has never previously been treated, the treatment of choice for either mania or depression is a single
mood stabilizer. An alternative strategy would be to combine 2 mood stabilizers. Adding an atypical antipsychotic to the
mood stabilizer regimen is a second-line option that is more highly rated for manic patients than depressed patients. Adding
an antidepressant to the mood stabilizer is a second-line option for depressed patients but is to be avoided in manic patients.
For a manic patient who has not had an adequate response to a single mood stabilizer, the treatment of choice is to add a
second mood stabilizer. Adding an atypical antipsychotic to the mood stabilizers is a first-line option.
If the patient is currently depressed while taking a mood stabilizer plus an antidepressant, the experts recommend replacing
the antidepressant with a second mood stabilizer. Adding an atypical antipsychotic might also be considered. There was no
consensus on the value of simply withdrawing the antidepressant or substituting a different antidepressant.
Presentation Preferred strategies Alternative strategies
Currently manic, never treated A single mood stabilizer Combine 2 mood stabilizers
Combine mood stabilizer with an atypical
antipsychotic
Currently manic, inadequate response Add a second mood stabilizer
to a single mood stabilizer
Combine mood stabilizer(s) with an
atypical antipsychotic
Currently depressed, never treated A single mood stabilizer Combine 2 mood stabilizers
Combine mood stabilizer with an
antidepressant
Combine mood stabilizer with an atypical
antipsychotic (lower second-line)
Currently depressed, inadequate Add a second mood stabilizer, stop Add an atypical antipsychotic
response to a mood stabilizer + antidepressant
antidepressant
Further recommendation for maintenance after depression: Clinicians face a dilemma in deciding how long to continue an
apparently successful antidepressant in a patient with rapid cycling who has previously endured long episodes of depression
despite multiple treatment trials with other regimens. No first-line consensus emerged from the expert panel. Some experts
favor tapering the antidepressant in as little as 1 to 2 months, especially in bipolar I patients, while others recommend
continuing the antidepressant for as long as 6 to 12 months, especially in bipolar II patients. However, the experts support a
broad range of time periods, including indefinite treatment. The absence of consensus reflects the broad variation among
31
patients with rapid cycling and hence the need to individualize this decision for each patient.
30 31
Question 30 Question 31

7B. Choice of Mood Stabilizer for Monotherapy for Rapid Cycling32

Divalproex is the treatment of choice when using a mood stabilizer for monotherapy in a rapid-cycling patient in any type of
episode. Lithium is a first-line choice for rapid-cycling patients with a current episode of depression, euphoric mania, or
hypomania, and is a high second-line option for dysphoric or mixed mania. Lamotrigine is a first-line option for rapid-cycling
patients who present with depression, and a second-line option for mania or hypomania. Carbamazepine is a first-line option
for rapid-cycling patients who present with any type of mania and a high second-line option for those who present with an
episode of depression or hypomania. Atypical antipsychotics are a second-line alternative for monotherapy, particularly for
mania, and were generally ranked ahead of gabapentin. Monotherapy with a conventional antipsychotic is a third-line option
for all types of rapid-cycling presentations.
Clinical presentation Preferred mood stabilizers High second-line Other second-line
Bipolar I, depressed Divalproex Carbamazepine

Lithium
Lamotrigine
Bipolar I, euphoric mania Divalproex Atypical antipsychotic
Lithium Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
Bipolar I, dysphoric or mixed Divalproex Lithium Atypical antipsychotic
mania
Carbamazepine Lamotrigine
Bipolar II, hypomania Divalproex Carbamazepine Lamotrigine
Lithium
32
Question 32
7C: Combining Mood Stabilizers for Breakthrough Mania in a Rapid-Cycling

Patient33
If a patient with a history of rapid cycling appeared to be stable on a mood stabilizer and then experiences a breakthrough
episode of mania, the experts recommend lithium or divalproex, if either is not already being used. Carbamazepine was also
rated first-line. Lamotrigine is a highly rated second-line alternative, while there was less consensus about gabapentin.
If patient is currently manic on Preferred mood stabilizers to add Alternative mood stabilizers to add
Carbamazepine Lithium Lamotrigine

Divalproex
Divalproex Lithium Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
Lithium Divalproex Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
Lithium + divalproex Carbamazepine Lamotrigine
Gabapentin
33
Question 33

7D: Strategies for Managing Recurrent Depression in a Rapid-Cycling Patient Who

Cycles More Frequently on SSRIs34
A difficult problem in rapid-cycling depression is the “brittle” patient who, despite receiving a mood stabilizer, cycles up when
given an antidepressant and quickly becomes depressed when the antidepressant is stopped. Because the SSRIs are the most
widely used antidepressants, we first asked the experts to consider a patient who experiences this reaction to an SSRI plus
lithium or divalproex. In this situation, the next step is to try a non-SSRI antidepressant. A highly rated alternative is to add a
second mood stabilizer with or without an antidepressant of a different class. Adding thyroid hormone also deserves
consideration. If the patient is already taking a combination of lithium and divalproex and still experiences this brittle reaction
to an SSRI, trying a non-SSRI antidepressant is advised, with strong consideration given to adding a third antimanic drug.
There is little support for merely lowering the dose of the mood stabilizer on the theory that a higher dose was somehow
causing the depression.
If patient’s current Preferred strategies Alternative strategies

treatment regimen is
Lithium or divalproex Use a non-SSRI antidepressant Augment strategy with thyroid hormone
monotherapy and/or and/or
Add another antimanic medication* Add another antimanic drug and retry an SSRI
Lithium + divalproex Use a non-SSRI antidepressant Add another antimanic medication either alone or in
combination with a non-SSRI antidepressant
and/or
Augment with thyroid hormone
*Rated very high second-line
34
Question 34

7E: Strategies for Managing Recurrent Depression in a Rapid-Cycling Patient Who

Cycles More Frequently With Any Antidepressant35
We asked the experts to recommend add-on treatment strategies for a patient with rapid-cycling bipolar I disorder who has
frequent breakthrough episodes of depression despite complete adherence to maximal doses of a mood stabilizer regimen, and
in whom a wide variety of antidepressants have led to manic or hypomanic episodes.
The preferred strategies are to ensure that the patient receives a trial of combined lithium and divalproex and to add
lamotrigine if the patient is already receiving a combination of lithium and divalproex. Carbamazepine may also be combined
with divalproex and lithium. Thyroid hormone and atypical antipsychotics are important back-up strategies. There was no
consensus on using gabapentin as a second drug, although it is acceptable to add as a third drug to the combination of lithium
and divalproex. Although some experts recommend ECT, there was no consensus on its place in the treatment algorithm in
this situation.
If patient’s current mood Preferred treatments to add High second-line Other second-line
stabilizer regimen is
Divalproex Lithium Carbamazepine Atypical antipsychotic

Lamotrigine Thyroid hormone
Lithium Divalproex Thyroid hormone Atypical antipsychotic
Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
Lithium + divalproex Lamotrigine Carbamazepine Gabapentin
Thyroid hormone
Atypical antipsychotic
Carbamazepine Lithium Thyroid hormone
Divalproex Atypical antipsychotic
Lamotrigine
35
Question 35

7F: Other Approaches for Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder36

We asked the experts about a variety of alternative options as add-on treatment for a patient who continues to have rapid-
cycling mania and depression despite treatment with various combinations of mood stabilizers, conventional and atypical
antipsychotics other than clozapine, and benzodiazepines, and who has increased cycling on antidepressants. Thyroid
hormone, light therapy for seasonal pattern episodes, and clozapine are preferred for depressive symptoms (although none
were rated first-line). For manic symptoms, clozapine is rated first-line, while topiramate, thyroid hormone, and nimodipine
are favored second-line strategies.
Type of symptomatology Preferred add-on treatments* Alternate add-on treatments
Depressive symptoms Thyroid hormone Dopamine agonist other than stimulant

Light therapy for seasonal depression Sleep deprivation
Clozapine Omega-3 fatty acids
Nimodipine
Topiramate
Inositol
Buspirone
Manic symptoms Clozapine (first-line) Thyroid hormone
Topiramate Nimodipine
Omega-3 fatty acids
Tiagabine
*Many experts commented on the importance of maintenance ECT for patients whose mania has been difficult to control with medication.
36
Question 36

IV. OTHER TREATMENT ISSUES
Guideline 8: Selecting Medications for Bipolar

37
Presentations
That Resemble Other Disorders
Many bipolar patients are misdiagnosed for a substantial period of time, often because their symptoms overlap with other
disorders. Just as in straightforward cases, the preferred treatment is monotherapy with divalproex or lithium, with lithium
being the treatment of choice for patients whose main problem is recurrent episodes of depression. Carbamazepine is a highly
rated second-line option in all cases. Lamotrigine is also a highly rated second-line strategy for bipolar I patients with
recurrent depression or for depressed bipolar II patients whose symptoms resemble borderline personality disorder. Adding an
antidepressant is another option for depressed bipolar II patients. For bipolar I patients with prominent psychotic features, the
addition of an antipsychotic to the mood stabilizer is recommended.
Presentation Previous diagnosis New diagnosis Preferred Alternative

interventions interventions
Yearly depressions, with Agitated unipolar Bipolar I, recently Lithium alone Carbamazepine alone
some brief manic depression depressed
Divalproex alone Lamotrigine alone
episodes (both
spontaneous and
antidepressant-
triggered); euthymic
intervals
Frequent psychotic manic Schizophrenia Bipolar I, recently Divalproex alone Combine 2 top-
episodes, some with manic with ranked mood
Lithium alone
mixed/dysphoric psychotic features stabilizers
features; treated with Include an
Carbamazepine alone
antipsychotics; often antipsychotic in the
demoralized and low- initial plan*
functioning; not
psychotic when stable
Chronically depressed; Borderline personality Bipolar II, recently Divalproex alone Include an
occasional activated disorder + depressed antidepressant in
Lithium alone
periods with increased dysthymia the initial plan
energy and irritability;
Lamotrigine alone
no sustained improve-
ment on SSRIs Carbamazepine alone
“Hyperactive” since Attention-deficit/ Bipolar II, recently Divalproex alone Carbamazepine alone
childhood; sleeps little; hyperactivity hypomanic
Lithium alone Lamotrigine alone
some bouts of alcohol disorder
and marijuana abuse
and minor sociopathy;
brief but severe
depressions with
suicidality; agitated on
stimulants
*Received very high second-line rating, statistically indistinguishable from first-line options
37
Question 37

Guideline 9: Use of Thyroid Hormone in Patients With Bipolar Disorder

9A: Strategies for Using Thyroid Hormone38
As shown in earlier guidelines (see Guidelines 6A, 6B, 7D, and 7E), the experts frequently consider including thyroid
hormone among the options for improving response in refractory bipolar disorder. We asked the experts about how best to
integrate thyroid augmentation in a variety of clinical situations, specifically when to combine thyroid hormone with both a
mood stabilizer and an antidepressant and when to use it with a mood stabilizer alone. For patients with non–rapid-cycling
bipolar disorder, thyroid hormone is most useful for augmenting an antidepressant plus mood stabilizer. In rapid-cycling
patients whose main problem is frequent breakthrough depressions on antidepressants, thyroid may be helpful either to
augment treatment with a mood stabilizer plus an antidepressant or may be added to the mood stabilizer alone. However, in
the depressed rapid-cycling patient who switches to mania on antidepressants, the experts recommend adding thyroid
hormone to the mood stabilizer alone.
Clinical presentation Preferred thyroid hormone strategies*

(all patients are receiving mood stabilizers)
Non–rapid-cycling bipolar disorder; inadequate response to Combine thyroid hormone with antidepressant
antidepressant during acute episode
Rapid cycling with frequent depressions despite continuous treatment Use thyroid hormone either with or without an
with antidepressants; mania is suppressed on mood stabilizers antidepressant
Rapid cycling in which patient is depressed on mood stabilizers alone Add thyroid hormone; avoid using an antidepressant
but becomes manic or hypomanic when treated with antidepressants
*No options received first-line ratings
38
Question 38
9B: Duration of Thyroid Hormone Therapy39

Length of initial trial to How long to continue before tapering if effective
assess efficacy
Non–rapid-cycling bipolar disorder 4–10 weeks At least 4–9 months, 59% recommend continuing
treatment indefinitely
Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder 4–11 weeks At least 6–12 months, 75% recommend continuing
treatment indefinitely
39
Question 38
9C: Preferred Forms and Doses of Thyroid Hormone40

We asked the experts about the appropriateness of using T3 and T4 alone or in combination, and at replacement or
hypermetabolic doses in 2 situations: 1) acute-phase augmentation of an antidepressant and 2) long-term management of
rapid cycling.
Purpose Preferred forms and doses Alternative forms and doses
Acute-phase augmentation of an antidepressant T3 at replacement dose* T4 at replacement dose

Long-term management of rapid cycling T4 at hypermetabolic or T3, or T3 + T4, at replacement
replacement doses doses
*Only option that received a first-line rating
40
Question 39

9D: Monitoring Strategies During Long-Term Treatment With Hypermetabolic

Doses of Thyroid Hormone41
While reportedly helpful for some patients, the long-term use of hypermetabolic doses of thyroid hormone* is controversial,
especially because of concerns about possible effects on bone density.
In postmenopausal women, the experts favor periodically monitoring bone density as a guide to whether the dose of thyroid
hormone should be reduced. Many experts also suggest bone density monitoring if there are clinical signs of hyperthyroidism.
In other situations, there was little consensus on monitoring. In all cases, an alternative is simply to periodically attempt to
reduce the dose of the thyroid hormone, without routinely monitoring bone density. The experts do not recommend
continuing high dose thyroid hormone therapy indefinitely without some form of clinical or laboratory monitoring.
Clinical Situation Preferred strategies Alternate strategies

†
Clinically euthyroid, postmenopausal Monitor bone density periodically Attempt dose reduction in the not too
woman distant future—no need for routine
bone density monitoring
Patient with mild signs of Monitor bone density periodically
hyperthyroidism who is willing to or
tolerate these effects because of
Attempt dose reduction in the not too
benefits to mood
distant future—no need for routine
Clinically euthyroid, not a Attempt dose reduction in the not too
postmenopausal woman distant future—no consensus on need
for routine bone density monitoring
*Hypermetabolic doses of thyroid hormone are often defined by suppression of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to levels below its
normal range or free T4 150% above the upper limit of normal.
†
Only option that received a first-line rating
41
Question 40

Guideline 10: Managing Special Problems

10A: Managing Weight Gain42
Weight gain is a problem for many patients receiving the first-line treatments for bipolar disorder: lithium, divalproex, or
atypical antipsychotics.
For weight gain associated with mood stabilizers, the preference is to continue the present medication and attempt weight loss
through diet or exercise. Adding topiramate or switching to a different mood stabilizer are second-line options; there was no
consensus on whether dose reduction is helpful.
For weight gain associated with an atypical antispsychotic that has been dramatically helpful for a particular patient, the
preference is to switch to another atypical antipsychotic or attempt dose reduction. Many experts also consider adding
topiramate an option. Lowering the dose of a concomitantly administered mood stabilizer or switching to molindone are less
likely to be helpful.
With either type of medication, there was only modest support for using appetite suppressants or thyroid hormone to induce
weight loss.
For weight gain associated Preferred strategies High second-line Other second-line
with alternatives alternatives
Lithium and/or divalproex: Continue present medication and Add topiramate Switch to a different mood
excellent clinical response but focus on diet and exercise stabilizer (no consensus on
undesirable weight gain with whether a dose reduction
long-term use would be helpful)
Atypical antipsychotic recently Intervene early by: Add topiramate Decrease dose of mood
added to mood stabilizer: stabilizer
Switching to another atypical
patient has had dramatic
antipsychotic*
improvement but is steadily
gaining weight despite diet or
and exercise Gradually decreasing the dose of the
current atypical antipsychotic
*Ziprasidone was not available at the time of the survey, but experts who had used the drug in clinical trials felt that it might be helpful in
this situation (see page 96).
42
Questions 41 and 42
10B: Improving Adherence to Treatment43

The experts recommend a number of strategies for patients with a history of poor adherence to treatment.
Preferred strategies Alternate strategies
If on lithium or divalproex, use once-daily dosing Incorporate use of a depot antipsychotic in the
treatment regimen
Encourage use of adherence-enhancing aids (e.g., weekly pill boxes, daily
mood charting)
Enlist the help of family members to monitor or supervise medication use
Close monitoring of medication blood levels
43
Question 43

10C: Selecting Medications for Patients With Comorbid Psychiatric or General

Medical Conditions or Other Problems44
Clinicians must consider a variety of psychiatric, demographic, and medical issues in choosing among the agents that are often
used to treat bipolar disorder. We asked the experts about the general safety and desirability of using the following
medications in a variety of circumstances: carbamazepine, divalproex, gabapentin, lamotrigine, lithium, atypical
antipsychotics, and conventional antipsychotics. In the following table, we show preferred and highly rated second-line
options, as well as medications that are more problematic in certain situations. Medications from the list that do not appear in
the table are acceptable second-line alternatives in that situation.
Prominent features of the episode

Clinical presentation Preferred first-line Highly rated second-line Not generally recommended (3rd-line)
Marked insomnia Divalproex Carbamazepine
Atypical antipsychotic Gabapentin
Lithium
Conventional antipsychotic
Marked psychomotor Divalproex Carbamazepine
agitation Atypical antipsychotic Lithium
Conventional antipsychotic
Gabapentin
Marked psychomotor Lithium Lamotrigine
retardation Divalproex
Carbamazepine
Marked aggression/ Divalproex Conventional antipsychotic
violence Atypical antipsychotic
Carbamazepine
Lithium
Comorbid psychiatric conditions
Panic disorder Divalproex Carbamazepine Conventional antipsychotic
Gabapentin Lithium
Obsessive-compulsive No consensus on preferred
Divalproex
disorder choices Lithium
Attention-deficit/ No consensus on preferred Divalproex Conventional antipsychotic
hyperactivity disorder choices Lithium
Posttraumatic stress Divalproex Carbamazepine
disorder Gabapentin
Lithium
Bulimia nervosa No first-line options Divalproex Conventional antipsychotic
Alcohol abuse Divalproex Atypical antipsychotic
Lithium* Gabapentin
Carbamazepine
Other substance abuse Divalproex Carbamazepine
Lithium
Gabapentin

Comorbid general medical problems

Renal insufficiency Divalproex Lamotrigine Lithium
Atypical antipsychotic Conventional antipsychotic
Carbamazepine
Liver disease Lithium Gabapentin Carbamazepine
Divalproex
Heart disease Divalproex Gabapentin
Lamotrigine
Lithium
Stroke or head injury Divalproex Atypical antipsychotic
resulting in mania Carbamazepine
Patient concerned about Carbamazepine* Gabapentin
gaining weight Lamotrigine*
Reproductive issues
Young woman wishing No consensus on preferred Carbamazepine
to become pregnant choices Divalproex
Trying to get pregnant Conventional Atypical antipsychotic Carbamazepine
and needing antipsychotic* Divalproex
medication
First trimester of Conventional Atypical antipsychotic Gabapentin
pregnancy and antipsychotic* Lamotrigine
needing medication Carbamazepine
Divalproex
Second–third trimester Lithium*
of pregnancy and Conventional or atypical
needing medication antipsychotic*
Postpartum, breast- No consensus on preferred
feeding, and needing choices
medication
Age-related issues
Prepubertal child Lithium Divalproex Conventional antipsychotic
Adolescent girl Lithium Carbamazepine Conventional antispychotic
Divalproex
Adolescent boy Divalproex Carbamazepine Conventional antipsychotic
Lithium
Elderly patient with Divalproex Carbamazepine
dementia Atypical antipsychotic
*Very high second-line
44
Questions 44–46

DIVALPROEX AND LITHIUM

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Expert Survey Results and Guideline References

Treatment of mania: first episode, initial strategy. A physically healthy person in his or her 20s presents with a first manic episode
1 severe enough to warrant hospital admission, or a first hypomanic episode severe enough to pose a likely eventual threat to functioning
if unchecked. Based on the dominant symptom pictures shown below, please rate each of the following overall strategies as an initial
intervention, assuming the patient is willing to take oral medication. (Subsequent questions will ask you about specific medications within
the broad classes.)
Mania With Psychosis
Mood stabilizer + antipsychotic * 8.4(1.0) 63 95 5 0
Benzodiazepine + mood stabilizer + antipsychotic 6.9(2.1) 33 64 29 7
Mood stabilizer alone 5.8(2.1) 14 43 41 16
Benzodiazepine + mood stabilizer 5.2(2.1) 7 32 43 25
Dysphoric Mania
True Mixed Mania
Euphoric Mania
Hypomania
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Treatment of mania: first episode, choice of mood stabilizer. In the situation described in question 1, assume you have decided to use
2 a mood stabilizer as part of your treatment plan. A number of medications have been established as or suggested to be mood stabilizers.
Please rate each of the following as an initial choice in each of the symptom presentations.
Divalproex* * 8.3(1.0) 59 93 7 0
Lithium immediate release* 7.8(1.3) 40 89 9 2
Lithium modified release 7.8(1.2) 36 87 13 0
Valproate generic 6.5(1.8) 11 51 36 13
Carbamazepine 6.3(1.6) 11 49 47 4
Lamotrigine 4.0(1.9) 2 9 47 44
Gabapentin 3.6(1.9) 2 8 40 53
Topiramate 3.5(1.7) 0 4 44 52
Tiagabine 2.5(1.5) 0 2 26 72
Calcium channel blocker 2.4(1.2) 0 0 16 84
Dysphoric Mania
Divalproex* * 8.7(0.8) 78 95 6 0
Carbamazepine 6.4(1.6) 4 53 44 4
Lamotrigine 4.6(2.1) 2 16 50 34
Gabapentin 3.9(1.8) 0 9 40 51
Topiramate 3.5(1.7) 0 4 45 52
Tiagabine 2.6(1.5) 0 4 25 71
True Mixed Mania
Divalproex* * 8.7(0.8) 80 96 4 0
Lamotrigine 4.5(2.1) 2 18 46 36
Gabapentin 3.9(1.8) 0 11 38 51
Topiramate 3.6(1.7) 0 4 46 51
Tiagabine 2.5(1.5) 0 4 24 73
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
*Divalproex > lithium, P<0.003

Treatment of mania: first episode, choice of mood stabilizer, continued

2 95% CONFIDENCE INTERVALS Tr of 1st 2nd 3rd
Euphoric Mania
†
Lithium immediate release * 8.5(0.7) 63 100 0 0
Lithium modified release
†
* 8.5(0.8) 64 96 4 0
Divalproex 8.2(1.0) 49 93 7 0
Lamotrigine 4.0(1.8) 2 4 57 39
Gabapentin 3.8(1.8) 0 9 40 51
Topiramate 3.6(1.6) 0 2 52 46
Tiagabine 2.6(1.5) 0 2 25 73
Hypomania
†
Lithium immediate release 8.1(1.1) 47 91 9 0
†
Divalproex 8.0(1.2) 48 91 9 0
Gabapentin 4.5(2.1) 6 15 50 35
Lamotrigine 4.0(2.0) 0 11 44 46
Topiramate 3.6(1.8) 0 4 50 46
Tiagabine 2.7(1.5) 0 2 26 72
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
†
Not significant, criterion for significance adjusted for multiple comparisons
Treatment of mania: first episode, choice of antipsychotic. In the situation described in question 1, assume you have decided to use an
3 oral antipsychotic as part of your initial treatment plan. Please rate each of the following as an initial choice in each of the symptom
presentations.*
Olanzapine 7.9(1.2) 36 87 13 0
High-potency conventional antipsychotic 7.2(1.6) 27 73 26 2
Risperidone 7.2(1.7) 24 71 27 2
Mid-potency conventional antipsychotic 6.5(1.6) 9 50 46 4
Quetiapine 5.9(1.9) 7 39 52 9
Low-potency conventional antipsychotic 5.2(2.0) 4 27 51 22
Combined conventional and atypical antipsychotics 4.1(2.4) 7 16 38 46
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Treatment of mania: first episode, choice of antipsychotic, continued

Dysphoric Mania
Olanzapine 7.7(1.4) 42 79 21 0
Risperidone 6.9(1.6) 17 64 34 2
Quetiapine 5.7(2.0) 8 33 55 12
True Mixed Mania
Olanzapine 7.7(1.4) 40 84 15 2
Risperidone 6.8(1.7) 16 62 35 4
Quetiapine 5.8(1.9) 9 35 54 11
Euphoric Mania
Olanzapine 7.6(1.3) 35 82 18 0
Risperidone 6.9(1.6) 16 66 33 2
Quetiapine 5.7(1.9) 7 35 54 11
Hypomania
Olanzapine 6.5(2.6) 33 60 26 15
Risperidone 6.1(2.5) 20 55 31 15
Quetiapine 5.1(2.4) 9 28 46 26
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
*Overall 2-factor ANOVA showed significant effect for available atypical antipsychotics (olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine) over conventional
antipsychotics; F = 122.987, P = 0.000

Inadequate response to initial mood stabilizer: adding a second. Suppose your initial strategy included a mood stabilizer and that,
4 despite adding various antipsychotics and a benzodiazepine, the patient exhibits only a partial response. In a previous survey, experts
suggested adding a second mood stabilizer within 1 to 3 weeks if there has been no response to the first, or within 2 to 4 weeks if there has
been a partial response. Assuming the initial mood stabilizer has been used for at least 2 weeks at the highest tolerable dose, please rate each
of the following as your next choice to add on to each of the initial treatments shown below.
INITIAL MOOD STABILIZER WAS: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Divalproex
Lithium * 8.7(0.7) 84 98 2 0
Gabapentin 5.3(1.8) 4 34 46 20
Lamotrigine 4.8(1.8) 0 20 52 29
Lithium
Divalproex * 8.8(0.6) 84 98 2 0
Carbamazepine 7.2(1.3) 20 70 30 0
Gabapentin 5.5(2.1) 13 32 50 18
Lamotrigine 5.5(1.8) 4 35 51 15
Carbamazepine
Lithium * 8.7(0.6) 77 100 0 0
Divalproex 7.2(1.8) 27 73 23 4
Gabapentin 5.1(1.8) 2 27 51 22
Lamotrigine 4.9(1.8) 2 24 51 26
Lamotrigine
Lithium * 8.5(1.2) 78 93 7 0
Divalproex 6.6(2.3) 26 61 24 15
Carbamazepine 5.5(1.9) 4 33 54 14
Gabapentin 4.8(1.8) 2 20 54 26
Gabapentin
Lithium * 8.6(0.8) 75 98 2 0
Divalproex * 8.0(1.5) 55 89 9 2
Carbamazepine 6.4(1.6) 11 49 45 6
Lamotrigine 4.8(1.7) 0 13 64 24
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Antipsychotic treatment of mania: duration of trial. Assume you have been prescribing an antipsychotic along with the initial mood
5 stabilizer in order to treat either psychosis or agitation, but that the patient is not responding adequately. How long would you wait,
from the time you first began the medication, before changing to another antipsychotic? (Assume the patient is not experiencing
extrapyramidal side effects, or that these have been adequately treated. Also assume you have been giving a benzodiazepine at the maximum
appropriate dose.)
Minimum days Maximum days

Avg (SD) Avg (SD)
Partial response to atypical 9.19 (7.1) 19.04 (15.7)
Partial response to conventional 8.04 (5.5) 17.09 (11.7)
Little or no response atypical 5.48 (3.5) 10.81 (6.2)
Little or no response to conventional 4.83 (3.3) 9.80 (5.8)

Inadequate response to initial antipsychotic for mania: switching to a second. In the situation described in question 5, please rate the
6 following strategies for picking the next antipsychotic if your initial choice has not produced an adequate response after an appropriate
dose and duration. Would you pick another drug in the same class, switch to the other class, or combine classes?
INITIAL CLASS WAS: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Conventional Antipsychotic
Atypical antipsychotic 7.8(1.4) 43 85 11 4
Combine atypical with conventional antipsychotic 5.8(2.3) 17 41 39 20
Conventional antipsychotic 5.4(2.2) 6 37 35 28
Atypical Antipsychotic
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Continued treatment resistance in first episode of mania: inadequate response to combined lithium and divalproex. Assume a
7 patient with an initial manic episode still has symptoms after 4 to 6 weeks of mood stabilizer treatment including 2 to 3 weeks of
combined lithium + divalproex. The patient has also received a benzodiazepine and trials of both conventional and atypical antipsychotics.
Doses are the maximum tolerable. Please rate each of the following options for strategies and specific interventions, depending on the degree
of remaining symptoms (from severe to mild).
PRESENT STATUS IS: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line

Switch to ECT 7.5(1.7) 38 75 23 2
Continue present medication and add 7.1(2.0) 34 68 23 9
another antimanic medication
Taper and stop lithium and/or divalproex 5.9(1.9) 5 46 34 20
and add another antimanic medication
Taper and stop antipsychotic and/or benzodiazepine 4.6(2.3) 4 26 40 35
If using another medication, options for next step:
Carbamazepine 7.1(1.6) 23 75 21 4
Clozapine 7.0(1.8) 34 63 34 4
Gabapentin 5.6(1.9) 7 34 48 18
Lamotrigine 5.4(2.0) 2 36 39 25
Other antimanic medication not listed above 5.0(1.8) 2 19 65 17
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Continued treatment resistance in first episode of mania: inadequate response to combined lithium and divalproex, continued
PRESENT STATUS IS: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Mania, Not Psychotic
Switch to ECT 7.0(1.7) 24 67 29 4
If using another medication: Carbamazepine 7.5(1.5) 27 84 15 2
Clozapine 6.3(2.1) 20 56 31 13
Gabapentin 5.8(1.7) 7 38 51 11
Lamotrigine 5.6(2.0) 2 42 35 24
Moderate Residual Symptoms
Switch to ECT 4.2(1.8) 2 9 57 33
Gabapentin 5.9(2.0) 11 40 46 15
Lamotrigine 5.6(2.1) 6 42 36 22
Clozapine 4.9(1.9) 2 22 53 26
Mild Residual Symptoms
Switch to ECT 2.7(1.7) 2 2 23 76
Gabapentin 6.0(2.1) 11 44 38 18
Lamotrigine 5.4(2.2) 6 38 36 26
Clozapine 3.7(1.9) 2 9 40 51
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Novel approaches to treatment-resistant mania. Suppose you have tried several combinations of the “mainstream” mood stabilizers
8 offered as options in the previous question at adequate doses for sufficient periods of time without success. Please rate each of the
following alternatives as options to add on or cautiously substitute.
As Monotherapy With Adjunctive Antipsychotics
or Benzodiazepines
Topiramate 5.2(2.2) 9 26 56 19
Nimodipine 4.4(1.8) 4 9 59 32
Calcium channel blocker other than nimodipine 4.0(2.0) 2 11 43 46
Omega-3 fatty acids 3.7(1.8) 0 7 46 46
Tiagabine 3.5(1.9) 0 7 43 50
Adrenergic antagonist 3.2(1.6) 0 2 35 63
Cholinesterase inhibitor 2.9(1.7) 0 2 37 61
Tamoxifen 2.7(1.7) 2 4 24 72
Phenytoin 2.5(1.5) 0 2 17 82
As an Add-On to Another Mood Stabilizer
Topiramate 6.3(2.1) 16 56 35 9
Nimodipine 5.4(1.8) 4 28 57 15
Tiagabine 4.2(2.0) 0 15 49 36
Adrenergic antagonist 4.1(1.7) 0 7 51 42
Tamoxifen 3.2(1.8) 2 6 35 60
Phenytoin 2.9(1.7) 0 6 24 71
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Long-term maintenance after a manic episode. A previous survey found that long-term or lifetime prophylaxis was recommended for
9 patients who had had 2 or more manic episodes. We now ask you to rate long-term strategies after a second manic episode. Assume a
patient recovers from an initial episode on 1 of the mood stabilizer regimens specified below. The medication is eventually tapered off and,
1 year after stopping medication, a second episode occurs, which again responds to the same regimen as the first episode. Now you must
decide on a choice for long-term maintenance. Please consider 3 common situations, based on past history of depression as shown in the life
charts.
SITUATION 1: Following remission of second
manic episode; no prior depressions
1a. Acute phase regimen was lithium alone
Lithium monotherapy * 8.9(0.4) 89 100 0 0
Divalproex monotherapy 5.7(2.0) 5 38 50 13
Combined lithium + divalproex 5.4(1.9) 4 30 52 18
Add or substitute another putative mood stabilizer 3.7(1.7) 0 0 57 43
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Long-term maintenance after a manic episode, continued

1b. Acute phase regimen was divalproex alone
Divalproex monotherapy * 8.7(0.9) 82 96 4 0
Lithium monotherapy 5.8(1.8) 5 39 46 14
1c. Acute phase regimen was lithium + divalproex
Combined lithium + divalproex * 8.3(1.2) 64 91 9 0
SITUATION 2: History of severe depressions
responsive to antidepressant; first manic
episode precipitated by antidepressant
without mood stabilizer
Lithium plus antidepressant 5.1(2.0) 4 23 54 23
Divalproex + antidepressant 4.3(1.8) 0 5 59 36
Lithium + divalproex + antidepressant 4.2(2.2) 6 9 53 38
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Long-term maintenance after a manic episode, continued

SITUATION 3: Patient had some prior severe
depressions; never treated with antidepressants
Add or substitute another 3.9(2.0) 0 9 46 44
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Choice of agents for long-term antipsychotic maintenance. Suppose you have determined that a patient needs long-term
10 maintenance with an oral antipsychotic along with a mood stabilizer. Regardless of your recommendation for choice of
antipsychotics during the acute phase, please rate each of the following for long-term use in this situation.
Olanzapine 7.8(1.3) 41 86 13 2
Risperidone 7.1(1.5) 18 75 23 2
Quetiapine 6.3(1.5) 4 48 46 5
Molindone 4.3(1.5) 0 7 57 36
Loxapine 4.3(1.4) 0 4 63 34
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Adequate dose and duration of mood stabilizers. Please write in the average dose (total mg per 24 hours) or blood level you
11 recommend for each of the following medications to assure an adequate trial in a medically healthy young adult with bipolar disorder
during specific phases of treatment. In the last columns on the right, please indicate the length of an adequate trial, measuring from the time you
first began the medication and assuming the quickest possible titration up to at least your target dose.
Medication Treatment of acute mania Long-term maintenance
Starting dose Average target dose/level Usual highest LOW average HIGH average
(doses in mg/day unless Low High final dose/level dose/level dose/level
otherwise noted)
Avg(SD) Avg(SD) Avg(SD) Avg(SD) Avg(SD) Avg(SD)
Carbamazepine 406(128) 567(183) 1379(431)
Carbamazepine level, µg/mL 6.06 (2.6) 12.6(4.2) 10.9(1.8) 5.65 (1.5) 10.8(2.2)
Divalproex or valproate 863(335) 871(318) 2710(952)
Loading dose, mg/kg/day 20.5 (2.7)
Valproic acid level, µg/mL 58.9(14.9) 120(16.6) 109(21.6) 56.6(12) 109(17)
Gabapentin 705(254) 1107(441) 3209(942) 2960(999) 1021(398) 2761(1006)
Lamotrigine 31.9(12.3) 91.2(46.1) 333(128) 282(147) 100(50) 266(125)
Lithium 844(206) 843(265) 2112(617)
Lithium level, mEq/L 0.73 (0.14) 1.21(0.14) 1.16(0.21) 0.63 (0.1) 1.07(0.14)
Tiagabine 5.0(2.3) 12.8(10.5) 34.3(18.2) 30.3(16.2) 13.0(8.9) 26.8(11.1)
Topiramate 50(41) 114(58) 427(249) 355(252) 126(78) 340(181)
Duration Partial response No response
Fewest days Most days Fewest days Most days
Avg(SD) Avg(SD) Avg(SD) Avg(SD)
Carbamazepine 13.0(8.8) 25.4(14.1) 8.8(4.9) 16.9(7.4)
Valproic acid 12.8(9.0) 24.3(14.1) 8.0(4.9) 15.6(7.4)
Gabapentin 12.8(5.9) 24.5(13.2) 8.8(4.7) 16.0(7.2)
Lamotrigine 17.7(10.8) 30.6(16.6) 13.6(9.9) 24.4(18.8)
Lithium 14.5(9.2) 25.8(14.6) 10.0(5.4) 17.7(7.8)
Tiagabine 15.7(8.0) 25.8(12.2) 11.3(7.1) 19.2(10.4)
Topiramate 17.6(15.0) 28.5(17.2) 10.9(6.3) 18.8(10.2)

Breakthrough mania during maintenance on lithium and/or divalproex. Consider a patient who has had 2 manic episodes
12 (nonpsychotic) and has never taken antidepressants. Each episode responded to the same regimen of high-dose mood stabilizer(s) +
antipsychotic. The antipsychotic was tapered rapidly after remission, while the mood stabilizer was continued at either a high or low dose.
Six months after resolution of the second episode, the patient is continuing to take the same mood stabilizer(s) that was effective in the
acute phases. Unfortunately, the patient now shows rapidly escalating signs of impending mania and you must intervene to avert a full-
blown episode. Please rate the following options in each of 3 situations, depending in each situation on the current maintenance regimen.
CURRENT REGIMEN: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Lithium Alone, LOW Dose
Increase current mood stabilizer;
do not add another yet
* 8.4(0.9) 61 95 5 0
Increase mood stabilizer + add another 6.7(1.7) 13 64 31 6
Add another mood stabilizer 6.0(1.7) 6 42 47 11
No change to mood stabilizer; add adjuncts only 5.0(1.9) 2 16 57 27
Switch to another mood stabilizer 4.0(1.7) 2 5 52 43
Lithium Alone, HIGH Dose
Divalproex Alone, LOW Dose
Increase current mood stabilizer;
* 8.3(1.0) 57 95 5 0
Divalproex Alone, HIGH Dose
Add another mood stabilizer * 8.2(1.1) 54 91 9 0
Lithium+Divalproex at MAXIMUM Tolerable Doses
No change to mood stabilizer; add adjuncts only * 7.8(1.8) 52 80 16 4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Breakthrough mania during maintenance on alternative anticonvulsants. Consider the same case history as in the previous
13 question, except that the patient has been maintained on carbamazepine, gabapentin, or lamotrigine at the same dose that worked
during the acute phase, is tolerating this dose without major side effects, and has never taken other mood stabilizers.
Carbamazepine
Increase current mood stabilizer; 7.1(1.5) 22 76 20 4
Add another mood stabilizer; 6.8(1.8) 14 66 25 9
no increase to current mood stabilizer
No change to mood stabilizer; add adjunct only 6.5(1.6) 13 48 48 4
Gabapentin
Lamotrigine
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Mood stabilizer choice for add-on treatment of breakthrough mania. In the above scenarios of breakthrough mania, assume you
14 have decided to incorporate another mood stabilizer. Please rate each of the following options as an add-on mood stabilizer,
depending on the current medication.
CURRENT MEDICATION: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Lithium
Divalproex * 8.9(0.4) 89 100 0 0
Carbamazepine 7.3(1.1) 18 73 27 0
Gabapentin 5.7(2.0) 13 39 45 16
Lamotrigine 5.4(1.9) 9 27 57 16
Divalproex
Lithium * 8.8(0.5) 88 100 0 0
Gabapentin 5.5(2.0) 11 34 46 20
Lamotrigine 4.8(1.9) 4 18 55 27
Lithium + Divalproex
Carbamazepine 7.0(1.6) 23 59 38 4
Gabapentin 6.1(2.1) 13 50 36 14
Lamotrigine 5.2(1.9) 7 20 61 20
Carbamazepine
Lithium * 8.6(0.9) 75 98 2 0
Divalproex 7.5(1.6) 33 80 16 4
Gabapentin 5.4(2.0) 7 32 50 19
Lamotrigine 4.9(1.8) 2 18 60 22
Gabapentin
Lithium * 8.5(1.0) 73 95 5 0
Divalproex * 8.2(1.2) 51 91 7 2
Carbamazepine 6.8(1.2) 13 55 44 2
Lamotrigine 4.7(1.8) 2 13 59 29
Lamotrigine
Lithium * 8.5(1.1) 75 95 5 0
Divalproex 7.1(1.9) 27 66 27 7
Gabapentin 4.9(2.0) 2 23 46 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Treatment of bipolar major depression: first episode, initial strategy. A physically healthy young man presents with major
15 depression several years after a single manic episode that was successfully treated. He was tapered off a mood stabilizer and was
stable for 1 year off medication. He is currently on no medications. What would be your initial strategy for medication? Please rate each of
the following based on the clinical features listed below. Later questions will allow you to rate specific medications. Assume you can use a
benzodiazepine for insomnia or agitation with any option.
Severe Depression With Psychosis
Antidepressant + mood stabilizer + antipsychotic 7.2(2.2) 35 75 16 9
Electroconvulsive therapy 7.1(1.8) 29 67 29 4
Antidepressant + mood stabilizer 6.1(2.1) 13 49 44 7
Antidepressant + antipsychotic 5.7(2.3) 13 37 43 20
Mood stabilizer 4.6(2.0) 4 22 42 36
Antidepressant 2.6(1.6) 0 2 24 75
Severe Depression Without Psychosis
Mood stabilizer 6.2(2.2) 24 47 40 13
Moderate Depression
Initial Mania Precipitated by Antidepressant Alone
for Supposed Unipolar Depression
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Treatment of bipolar major depression: first episode, choice of antidepressant. In the situation described in question 15, assume
16 you have decided to use a standard antidepressant as part of your initial treatment. Please rate each of the following as an initial
choice in each of the symptom presentations listed below.
Severe Melancholic Depression With or Without
Psychosis
Venlafaxine 7.4(1.6) 31 76 22 2
Bupropion 7.3(1.7) 26 73 22 6
Paroxetine 7.0(1.5) 20 66 31 4
Sertraline 6.9(1.4) 15 64 35 2
Citalopram 6.8(1.6) 13 67 27 6
Fluoxetine 6.7(1.6) 13 62 36 2
Fluvoxamine 5.8(1.6) 4 38 58 4
Mirtazapine 5.8(1.8) 6 40 49 11
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor 5.7(2.0) 9 36 53 11
Tricyclic antidepressant 5.3(2.4) 15 31 42 27
Nefazodone 5.2(1.8) 4 27 51 22
Severe Atypical Depression Without Psychosis
Bupropion 7.6(1.5) 35 80 18 2
Paroxetine 7.3(1.4) 22 76 22 2
Sertraline 7.1(1.4) 15 75 24 2
Venlafaxine 7.1(1.6) 22 71 27 2
Citalopram 7.0(1.6) 15 76 18 6
Fluoxetine 6.8(1.6) 13 67 31 2
Fluvoxamine 6.1(1.6) 4 47 51 2
Nefazodone 5.4(1.7) 2 29 53 18
Mirtazapine 5.4(1.9) 4 27 55 18
Moderate Depression
Bupropion * 8.2(1.1) 51 93 7 0
Paroxetine 7.6(1.1) 26 86 15 0
Sertraline 7.4(1.1) 16 86 15 0
Citalopram 7.3(1.4) 18 84 11 6
Fluoxetine 7.2(1.6) 18 76 22 2
Venlafaxine 7.0(1.5) 15 71 27 2
Fluvoxamine 6.4(1.7) 11 56 40 4
Mirtazapine 5.8(2.0) 6 42 44 15
Nefazodone 5.7(1.7) 4 35 55 11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Treatment of bipolar major depression: first episode, choice of mood stabilizer for acute phase. In the situation of the previous
17 question, assume you have decided to use a mood stabilizer as part of your initial plan for a currently unmedicated patient. Please
rate each of the following choices of mood stabilizer, depending on whether or not you have also decided to use an antidepressant. Assume
that none of the mood stabilizers had previously failed in the acute-phase or preventive treatment of this patient’s mania.
Mood Stabilizer Without an Antidepressant
Lithium * 8.3(1.2) 55 96 2 2
Divalproex 7.1(1.6) 21 66 34 0
Lamotrigine 7.1(1.8) 21 66 29 5
Gabapentin 4.5(1.8) 2 13 61 27
Mood Stabilizer + Antidepressant
Lithium * 8.5(0.9) 63 96 4 0
Divalproex 7.8(1.3) 39 88 13 0
Lamotrigine 6.4(1.9) 11 50 39 11
Carbamazepine 6.4(1.4) 11 46 50 4
Gabapentin 4.9(1.8) 2 16 61 23
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Bipolar depression with psychosis: choice of antipsychotic. Assume you have decided to use an antipsychotic in the acute-phase
18 treatment of a patient with bipolar depression with psychotic features. Please rate the following options.
Olanzapine 8.1(1.1) 45 91 9 0
Risperidone 7.7(1.5) 32 88 11 2
Quetiapine 6.6(1.6) 7 56 41 4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Bipolar depression, successful acute-phase treatment of first episode: how long to continue medication. Consider a patient who
19 has had 2 manic episodes, the last one ending 6 months ago. During maintenance treatment with a mood stabilizer, the patient
recently developed a major depression, which has remitted with the addition of an antidepressant (plus an antipsychotic for psychotic
depression). Assuming you plan to continue the mood stabilizer indefinitely, how long would you continue the antidepressant or
antipsychotic before beginning to gradually taper (from 25% per week to 25% per month), depending on the severity of the depression?
Minimum weeks Maximum weeks Indefinitely

Avg (SD) Avg (SD) %
Antidepressant after severe depression with psychotic features 9.1 (5.6) 23.6 (13.1) 23.2
Antidepressant after severe depression without psychotic features 9.2 (5.5) 22.5 (11.8) 23.2
Antidepressant after moderate depression 8.0 (5.3) 20.2 (10.2) 16.1
Antipsychotic after psychotic depression 7.1 (4.6) 22.3 (12.4) 7.1

First episode of bipolar depression: breakthrough on mood stabilizer immediately after a manic episode. Suppose a patient has
20 just recovered from a first or second manic episode after treatment with lithium, divalproex, or a combination of both. The patient
is taking maximum tolerable doses of these medications and modest doses of adjuncts. Within days of recovering, the patient develops
symptoms of depression, progressing steadily over 2 weeks to moderate severity. The patient is not psychotic or suicidal, is euthyroid, has
never taken antidepressants, and is receiving appropriate psychotherapy. Depending on the current mood stabilizer regimen, please rate the
possible next steps.
Currently Taking Lithium Alone
Add lamotrigine 6.3(2.0) 10 48 42 10
Add an antidepressant 6.1(1.9) 6 44 50 6
No new medication yet; supportive, watchful 6.0(2.3) 11 49 34 17
waiting for a few weeks unless patient deteriorates
Add divalproex 5.8(2.3) 10 48 33 19
Add carbamazepine 4.7(1.9) 0 15 52 33
Add thyroid hormone 4.4(1.7) 0 10 63 27
Currently Taking Divalproex Alone
Add lithium 6.8(2.1) 25 65 25 10
Add lamotrigine 5.8(2.3) 11 43 40 17
Currently Taking Lithium + Divalproex
Add lamotrigine 5.8(2.1) 6 38 45 17
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

First episode of bipolar depression: breakthrough on mood stabilizer delayed some time after a manic episode. Consider again a
21 patient who has recovered from a first or second manic episode and has never taken antidepressants. Now, after a significant period
of remission (e.g., 15 months) on mood stabilizer(s) alone, the patient develops signs of moderately severe depression for 2 weeks, without
psychosis or suicidality. The patient is euthyroid and receiving appropriate psychotherapy. Please rate the following options. Note that we
ask about 2 regimens: 1) the patient taking relatively low doses of mood stabilizer and 2) the patient already on maximum tolerable doses.
Lithium Alone, LOW Dose
Increase lithium * 8.0(1.3) 56 88 13 0
Add divalproex 5.9(1.9) 9 40 49 11
Add antidepressant 5.8(1.9) 0 48 39 13
Watchful waiting 4.7(2.3) 4 24 43 33
Lithium Alone, HIGH Dose
Add divalproex 6.6(2.0) 19 60 32 9
Divalproex Alone, LOW Dose
Increase divalproex 7.4(1.8) 33 78 17 4
Add lithium 6.5(1.7) 11 53 43 4
Divalproex Alone, HIGH Dose
Add lithium 7.3(1.5) 26 72 26 2
Add lamotrigine 6.4(2.0) 10 54 35 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

First episode of bipolar depression: breakthrough on mood stabilizer delayed some time after a manic episode, continued
Lithium + Divalproex, Both LOW Dose
Increase lithium * 7.9(1.5) 53 89 9 2
Increase divalproex 7.2(1.7) 22 80 16 4
Lithium + Divalproex, Both HIGH Dose
Add lamotrigine 6.1(2.3) 13 54 29 17
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Bipolar depression, acute phase: next step strategy for inadequate response. In the case of moderate to severe depression without
22 psychosis, please rate each of the following options as your next step if the depression persists after an adequate trial with your first
treatment strategy, depending on degree of response and initial strategy. Please note that you will be able to choose specific antidepressants
and anticonvulsants in subsequent questions.
Little or No Response to Mood Stabilizer +
Antidepressant
Change antidepressant * 8.1(1.3) 56 89 9 2
If patient is taking anticonvulsant, add lithium 7.5(1.7) 36 82 14 4
If patient is taking lithium, add anticonvulsant 6.4(1.8) 13 54 39 7
Change to another mood stabilizer, taper off 1st 5.5(1.8) 2 32 50 18
Add stimulant 4.6(2.0) 2 23 45 32
Add atypical antipsychotic 4.3(1.8) 2 14 41 45
Add conventional antipsychotic 3.0(1.5) 0 4 25 71
Partial Response to Mood Stabilizer +
Antidepressant
Change antidepressant 6.7(1.8) 24 52 41 7
Add stimulant 5.2(2.3) 7 34 36 30
Little or No Response to Mood Stabilizer Alone
Add antidepressant * 8.7(0.8) 78 98 2 0
Add stimulant 4.0(1.9) 2 13 40 47
Partial Response to Mood Stabilizer Alone
Add antidepressant * 8.3(1.0) 55 95 5 0
Add stimulant 4.3(2.0) 2 20 38 42
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Bipolar depression with psychotic features: next step strategy for inadequate response. Now we turn to inadequate response in
23 severe psychotic depression. If there has been little or no response to your initial strategy, please rate each of the following next
steps. Please note that we ask about specific medication options in later questions.
INITIAL STRATEGY Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Mood Stabilizer + Antipsychotic
Add an antidepressant * 8.6(0.7) 70 98 2 0
Change antipsychotic 6.2(1.5) 7 43 52 5
Add stimulant 3.3(1.7) 0 4 38 58
Antidepressant + Mood Stabilizer + Antipsychotic
Change the antidepressant 8.1(0.9) 45 95 5 0
Change antipsychotic 6.5(1.5) 7 59 38 4
Add stimulant 3.5(1.7) 0 4 46 50
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Bipolar depression, inadequate response: choice of next antidepressant. Suppose that a patient with moderate to severe depression
24 has received an antidepressant plus a mood stabilizer (plus an antipsychotic if psychosis is present), but that despite an adequate
dose and duration of antidepressant has achieved little or no response. Suppose you then decide to add or switch to a second antidepressant.
Please rate the appropriateness of the following options, depending on the antidepressant used in the initial treatment. When the same class
appears in the column and row, we are asking you to rate a switch to another member of the same class (e.g., from SSRI to SSRI).
INITIAL ANTIDEPRESSANT WAS: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Bupropion
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) * 8.1(1.3) 55 87 13 0
Venlafaxine 7.7(1.4) 38 75 25 0
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) 6.1(2.0) 13 50 36 14
Mirtazapine 6.1(1.9) 16 39 50 11
Nefazodone 5.8(1.7) 9 34 55 11
Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) 5.3(2.2) 11 29 40 31
SSRI
Bupropion * 8.3(1.0) 54 95 5 0
Venlafaxine 7.6(1.4) 36 77 21 2
Mirtazapine 6.3(2.0) 16 50 39 11
MAOI 6.0(1.9) 7 48 39 13
Nefazodone 5.9(1.7) 9 34 59 7
TCA 5.5(2.4) 15 36 36 27
SSRI 5.4(1.9) 4 32 52 16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Bipolar depression, inadequate response: choice of next antidepressant, continued

INITIAL ANTIDEPRESSANT WAS: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Venlafaxine
Bupropion 8.1(1.0) 45 95 5 0
SSRI 7.1(1.8) 30 69 26 6
Mirtazapine 6.3(2.0) 18 52 36 13
MAOI 6.3(2.1) 18 54 34 13
Nefazodone 5.7(1.8) 7 38 50 13
TCA 5.1(2.4) 9 33 35 33
Mirtazapine
Bupropion 7.9(1.2) 39 89 9 2
SSRI 7.7(1.5) 38 86 11 4
Venlafaxine 7.5(1.5) 30 75 23 2
MAOI 5.7(2.0) 5 41 39 20
Nefazodone 5.6(1.9) 6 30 56 15
TCA 5.0(2.3) 7 26 42 33
MAOI
Bupropion 7.6(1.5) 32 83 15 2
Venlafaxine 7.0(2.1) 27 62 31 7
SSRI 6.7(2.3) 28 63 26 11
Mirtazapine 5.8(2.0) 11 31 55 15
Nefazodone 5.6(1.8) 7 35 49 16
TCA 5.2(2.5) 11 32 33 35
MAOI 4.1(2.0) 0 15 36 49
Nefazodone
Bupropion 8.0(1.2) 36 91 9 0
SSRI 7.6(1.6) 38 76 24 0
Venlafaxine 7.2(1.6) 27 73 23 4
Mirtazapine 5.8(1.9) 9 40 47 13
MAOI 5.8(1.9) 5 41 46 13
TCA 5.2(2.3) 7 35 35 31
TCA
Bupropion 7.7(1.5) 36 88 9 4
SSRI 7.3(1.6) 31 73 26 2
Venlafaxine 7.2(1.8) 27 70 27 4
MAOI 6.0(2.0) 9 45 39 16
Mirtazapine 5.8(1.8) 7 32 55 13
Nefazodone 5.6(1.7) 4 32 54 14
TCA 3.3(1.9) 0 4 32 64
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Bipolar depression, inadequate response: choice of next mood stabilizer. In the situation described in question 24 of inadequate
25 response of moderate to severe depression to antidepressant plus a mood stabilizer (plus antipsychotic if needed), suppose you
decide to leave the antidepressant unchanged and instead decide to add or switch to a second mood stabilizer. Please rate the
appropriateness of the following options for the second mood stabilizer you would use, depending on the initial choice.
INITIAL MOOD STABILIZER WAS: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Divalproex
Lithium * 8.7(0.6) 71 98 2 0
Lamotrigine 7.3(1.7) 32 73 23 4
Gabapentin 5.4(2.1) 11 27 52 21
Lithium
Divalproex 7.8(1.4) 43 84 16 0
Lamotrigine 7.8(1.4) 45 82 16 2
Carbamazepine 7.1(1.5) 26 60 40 0
Gabapentin 5.3(2.1) 9 27 50 23
Carbamazepine
Lithium * 8.4(1.0) 59 96 4 0
Lamotrigine 7.5(1.5) 32 77 20 4
Divalproex 7.3(1.7) 29 71 26 4
Gabapentin 5.3(1.9) 5 23 57 20
Lamotrigine
Lithium * 8.4(1.4) 68 93 4 4
Divalproex 6.8(1.7) 20 61 38 2
Carbamazepine 6.4(1.6) 11 47 49 4
Gabapentin 5.2(2.0) 4 25 50 25
Gabapentin
Lithium * 8.4(1.2) 61 93 6 2
Divalproex 7.4(1.5) 29 75 26 0
Lamotrigine 7.2(1.9) 31 75 20 6
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Bipolar depression with psychotic features, inadequate response: choice of next antipsychotic. In the case of psychotic depression,
26 assume you have prescribed an antipsychotic plus a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant, but the patient has had little or no
response and you have decided to change the antipsychotic regimen. Depending on the initial class of antipsychotic you were using, please
rate each of the following options for the next choice. Would you pick another drug in the same class, switch to the other class, or combine
classes?
If Initial Class Was Conventional Antipsychotic
An atypical antipsychotic other than clozapine * 8.5(1.0) 71 95 5 0
Clozapine 5.8(2.0) 11 36 50 14
A conventional antipsychotic 4.5(1.8) 0 14 54 32
If Initial Class Was Atypical Antipsychotic
An atypical antipsychotic other than clozapine 7.5(1.7) 39 73 23 4
A conventional antipsychotic 6.6(2.0) 25 54 39 7
Clozapine 6.0(2.3) 18 43 39 18
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Threshold for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treatment-refractory bipolar depression. Please rate the appropriateness of
27 recommending ECT as a preferred treatment for refractory bipolar depression in each of the following situations. Assume that
patient has had adequate doses and durations of the medications shown. Also assume that the patient is not in immediate danger of suicide
or medical compromise and that antidepressants do not cause this patient to cycle.
AFTER FAILURE OF: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
In Severe Psychotic Depression
> 2 mood stabilizers and > 2 antidepressants * 8.7(0.7) 82 98 2 0
Lithium + anticonvulsant + 2 sequential
antidepressants of different classes
* 8.5(1.1) 77 91 9 0
Lithium + 2 sequential antidepressants of different

classes
* 7.9(1.7) 59 80 19 2
Anticonvulsant + 2 sequential antidepressants of

different classes
* 7.7(1.8) 54 75 23 2
Lithium + 1 antidepressant 6.6(2.1) 23 63 30 7

Anticonvulsant + 1 antidepressant 6.6(2.1) 25 59 34 7
In Severe Nonpsychotic Depression
> 2 mood stabilizers and > 2 antidepressants * 8.3(1.0) 63 91 9 0
Lithium + anticonvulsant + 2 sequential
* 7.9(1.6) 54 80 18 2
Llithium + 2 sequential antidepressants of different 7.1(2.0) 31 67 26 7

classes
Anticonvulsant + 2 sequential antidepressants of 6.9(1.9) 21 63 32 5
different classes
In Moderate Depression
> 2 mood stabilizers and > 2 antidepressants 6.6(1.7) 11 64 30 5
Lithium + anticonvulsant + 2 sequential 6.1(1.7) 5 52 41 7
Lithium + 2 sequential antidepressants of different 5.2(1.7) 0 26 55 20
classes
Anticonvulsant + 2 sequential antidepressants of 5.0(1.8) 0 25 50 25
different classes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Antidepressants less likely to precipitate mania. Please rate the following medications in terms of the likelihood of not
28 precipitating a manic episode in a bipolar I patient. Assume the patient is currently depressed, is receiving a mood stabilizer, and has
not had a recent manic episode. Please consider 2 situations: 1) a patient who has never received an antidepressant, and 2) a patient who had
a prior episode of mania induced by an antidepressant from a class other than the option being considered, while on a mood stabilizer.
Never Received Antidepressants
Bupropion 7.8(1.5) 40 91 6 4
Paroxetine 7.0(1.4) 11 69 29 2
Nefazodone 6.7(1.6) 11 65 32 4
Citalopram 6.7(1.4) 9 63 35 2
Sertraline 6.7(1.6) 11 66 31 4
Fluoxetine 6.6(1.5) 9 58 40 2
Fluvoxamine 6.5(1.6) 9 56 41 4
Mirtazapine 6.3(1.6) 4 53 42 6
MAOI 6.0(1.8) 7 38 53 9
Venlafaxine 5.9(1.8) 2 42 49 9
Psychostimulants 4.4(1.9) 0 18 42 40
TCA 3.8(1.8) 2 6 44 51
Mania Induced By an Antidepressant From
Another Class
Bupropion 7.3(1.8) 26 80 13 7
Paroxetine 6.4(1.6) 7 56 39 6
Sertraline 6.3(1.7) 9 52 41 7
Nefazodone 6.2(1.5) 6 43 51 6
Citalopram 6.2(1.6) 6 47 45 8
Fluoxetine 6.1(1.7) 6 48 44 7
Fluvoxamine 6.1(1.7) 7 48 44 7
Mirtazapine 5.8(1.7) 4 41 50 9
MAOI 5.6(2.0) 11 33 46 20
Venlafaxine 5.4(1.8) 2 33 52 15
Psychostimulants 3.9(1.9) 0 8 53 40
TCA 3.5(1.9) 4 4 39 57
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Novel approaches to treatment refractory bipolar depression. Suppose you have run the gamut of various combinations of
29 “mainstream” mood stabilizers, with and without a wide range of antidepressants augmented with thyroid, and that ECT is not an
option at present. Rapid cycling, substance use, and psychosocial stress are not considered factors. Please rate each of the following
alternatives as options to combine with a mood stabilizer, with or without a standard antidepressant.
Combined With Mainstream Mood Stabilizer
Without an Antidepressant
Light therapy in a seasonal case 6.9(1.8) 20 64 30 5
Atypical antipsychotic other than clozapine 6.4(1.9) 11 59 32 9
Clozapine 5.9(2.1) 13 41 41 18
Stimulant 5.5(2.1) 7 36 39 25
Dopamine agonist other than stimulant 5.1(1.9) 2 26 47 27
Sleep deprivation 4.8(2.3) 6 26 43 32
Topiramate 4.7(1.9) 2 15 64 22
Nimodipine 4.7(2.0) 2 23 46 30
Inositol 4.3(1.7) 2 9 57 34
Buspirone 4.2(1.6) 0 11 43 46
Light therapy in a nonseasonal case 4.0(1.7) 0 7 43 50
St. John’s wort 3.8(1.6) 0 9 38 54
Tiagabine 3.6(1.6) 0 4 50 46
Phenytoin 2.6(1.4) 0 2 18 80
Combined With Mainstream Mood Stabilizer +
Antidepressant
Atypical antipsychotic other than clozapine 6.8(2.0) 21 66 27 7
Clozapine 6.1(2.1) 11 52 36 13
Stimulant 5.9(2.1) 11 50 29 21
Pindolol augmentation of antidepressant 5.3(2.1) 4 35 41 25
Buspirone 5.0(1.8) 0 24 47 29
Nimodipine 4.7(2.0) 2 20 50 30
Topiramate 4.7(1.8) 2 16 60 24
Inositol 4.5(1.8) 2 13 54 34
St. John’s wort 3.7(1.6) 2 7 34 59
Tiagabine 3.5(1.5) 0 2 52 46
Phenytoin 2.6(1.3) 0 2 15 84
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Rapid cycling: overall strategies. Please rate the following interventions for a patient with recently diagnosed rapid-cycling bipolar I
30 illness, given the treatment history and current clinical state indicated. Assume that adjunctive antipsychotics and benzodiazepines
are provided as needed for management of agitation or psychosis.
Never Treated, Currently Manic
Use a single mood stabilizer * 8.3(1.3) 68 95 4 2
Combine 2 mood stabilizers 6.5(2.1) 16 60 29 11
Combine preferred treatment with an atypical 6.1(2.2) 16 41 46 13
antipsychotic for its effects on mood
Combine preferred treatment with a conventional 4.4(2.3) 5 21 39 39
Combine 1 mood stabilizer and 1 antidepressant 2.3(1.4) 0 0 16 84
Prescribe an antidepressant 1.3(0.9) 0 0 2 98
Never Treated, Currently Depressed
Use a single mood stabilizer * 7.6(1.8) 50 77 18 5
Currently on Single Mood Stabilizer With
Inadequate Response, Currently Manic
Combine 2 mood stabilizers * 8.3(1.1) 57 95 5 0
Use a single mood stabilizer 4.9(2.3) 9 24 44 33
Currently on Mood Stabilizer + Antidepressant
With Inadequate Response, Currently
Depressed
Use a single mood stabilizer 4.4(2.5) 9 20 44 36
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Rapid cycling: how long to continue a successful antidepressant. Suppose a patient has had rapid-cycling bipolar disorder for
31 several years, dominated by long and frequent depressions. The patient has never been adequately treated and comes to you now
with a major depressive episode without psychosis. You treat with several mood stabilizers and even augment with thyroid hormone, but the
patient continues to be depressed. You next combine an antidepressant with a single mood stabilizer and the patient does well, remitting
completely in 4 weeks in a manner you are convinced is not a placebo reaction. Please rate each of the following strategies for subsequent
continuation of the antidepressant (assuming the mood stabilizer will be continued indefinitely).
WHILE CONTINUING MOOD STABILIZER: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Bipolar I
Taper and stop antidepressant after 1–2 months at 5.9(2.5) 21 48 30 21
most; resume it for future courses of short-term
therapy as needed for depressive relapses
Continue the antidepressant for 3–6 months then 5.9(2.1) 16 39 46 14
plan to taper, stopping earlier only if patient
becomes manic or hypomanic
Continue the antidepressant for at least 6–12 5.7(2.3) 11 41 34 25
months, stopping earlier only if patient becomes
manic or hypomanic
Continue the antidepressant indefinitely unless 4.7(2.7) 11 29 30 41
patient becomes manic or hypomanic
Bipolar II
Continue the antidepressant for at least 6–12 5.9(2.4) 14 48 27 25
months, stopping earlier only if patient becomes
manic or hypomanic
Continue the antidepressant for 3–6 months then 5.8(2.1) 14 38 46 16
plan to taper, stopping earlier only if patient
becomes manic or hypomanic
Taper and stop antidepressant after 1–2 months at 5.5(2.6) 18 43 34 23
most; resume it for future courses of short-term
therapy as needed for depressive relapses
Continue the antidepressant indefinitely unless 5.3(2.8) 21 36 30 34
patient becomes manic or hypomanic
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Rapid cycling: mood stabilizer selection for monotherapy. A patient with no prior treatment comes to you with a history of rapid-
32 cycling bipolar disorder without psychosis. Assume you have decided to use a mood stabilizer in an initial attempt at monotherapy
(plus adjuncts for insomnia or agitation). Please rate each of the following options, depending on the diagnosis and current phase.
CURRENT PHASE: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Bipolar I, Depressed
Divalproex * 8.1(1.1) 53 89 11 0
Lithium 7.0(1.7) 18 70 25 5
Lamotrigine 7.0(1.6) 18 63 34 4
Gabapentin 4.4(1.8) 0 16 54 30
Bipolar I, Euphoric Mania
Divalproex * 8.5(0.8) 68 98 2 0
Lithium 7.6(1.6) 29 80 16 4
Carbamazepine 7.0(1.2) 13 70 29 2
Lamotrigine 5.2(1.7) 0 16 63 21
Gabapentin 4.6(2.0) 0 20 45 36
Bipolar I, Dysphoric or Mixed Mania
Divalproex * 8.7(0.6) 79 98 2 0
Lithium 6.5(1.8) 13 57 36 7
Lamotrigine 5.6(1.8) 7 30 52 18
Gabapentin 4.4(1.9) 0 16 50 34
Bipolar II, Hypomanic
Divalproex * 8.3(1.1) 64 96 2 2
Lithium 7.3(1.7) 30 79 18 4
Lamotrigine 5.5(1.7) 4 20 68 13
Gabapentin 4.7(2.1) 4 23 46 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Rapid cycling: breakthrough mania during maintenance with carbamazepine, divalproex, or lithium. Suppose a patient has had a
33 rapid-cycling bipolar I course off and on for 5 years. A “mainstream” mood stabilizer regimen appeared effective at first but, despite
complete adherence to maximal doses, rapid-cycling breakthroughs of mania or hypomania have always resumed within 3 to 6 months,
requiring a few weeks of adjunctive antipsychotics or benzodiazepines. Depressions have been well controlled, however, without the need for
antidepressants. The patient now presents with mania and you decide to add another mood stabilizer with the hopes of continuing it long-
term if it works during the acute phase. Please rate each of the following options as add-on therapy, depending on the current mood
stabilizer (assume the use of any adjuncts you wish for insomnia or agitation).
CURRENTLY MANIC WHILE TAKING: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Carbamazepine
Lithium * 8.1(1.2) 50 91 7 2
Divalproex 8.0(1.3) 47 89 9 2
Lamotrigine 5.6(1.6) 6 26 66 9
Gabapentin 5.1(2.1) 5 27 45 29
Divalproex
Lithium * 8.5(1.1) 70 96 2 2
Carbamazepine 7.1(1.4) 20 71 27 2
Lamotrigine 5.4(1.8) 6 29 56 15
Gabapentin 5.2(2.0) 5 27 46 27
Lithium
Divalproex * 8.8(0.6) 84 98 2 0
Carbamazepine 7.3(1.3) 20 77 21 2
Lamotrigine 6.0(1.7) 7 40 53 7
Gabapentin 5.4(2.1) 5 30 45 25
Carbamazepine 7.1(1.5) 27 68 30 2
Lamotrigine 5.8(1.9) 9 42 46 13
Gabapentin 5.6(1.9) 9 32 55 13
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Rapid cycling: currently depressed, cycles more with SSRIs. A bipolar I patient maintained on 1 or 2 mood stabilizers has been
34 treated intermittently for recurrent depressions using SSRIs. In the past year, the patient switched to manic and hypomanic
episodes 4 times shortly after starting an SSRI but fell back into depression after the SSRI was stopped. The patient has now been depressed
for 3 months on mood stabilizer(s) alone at the maximum tolerable dose. Thryoid functions are normal. Please rate each of the following
strategies based on the patient’s current mood stabilizer.
Lithium
Add a non-SSRI antidepressant 7.2(1.8) 30 70 27 4
Add another antimanic drug 6.8(2.3) 40 58 29 13
Add another antimanic drug and a non-SSRI 6.5(1.8) 11 59 34 7
antidepressant
In addition to top-ranked changes above, add 5.9(2.0) 7 41 45 14
thyroid hormone
Continue current regimen and add thyroid 5.5(2.4) 11 39 38 23
hormone
Add another anti-manic drug and retry an SSRI 5.3(1.8) 4 25 54 21
Lower doses of current mood stabilizers 3.5(1.9) 0 11 36 54
Divalproex
antidepressant
thyroid hormone
hormone
hormone
antidepressant
thyroid hormone
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Rapid-cycling, currently depressed, cycles more with any antidepressant; selecting alternatives. Consider a patient who has had a
35 rapid-cycling bipolar I course off and on for several years. A “mainstream” mood stabilizer regimen appeared effective at first against
both depression and mania but, despite complete adherence to maximal doses, rapid-cycling breakthroughs of depression always resumed
within 6 months, requiring brief courses of antidepressants. Unfortunately, a wide variety of different antidepressants have all led to episodes
of mania or hypomania in this patient. You now decide to add another mood stabilizer with the hopes of continuing it long-term if it works
in the acute phase, and to avoid future antidepressants altogether. Please rate each of the following options as add-on therapy depending on
the current mood stabilizer.
CURRENTLY DEPRESSED ON: Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Divalproex
Lithium * 8.4(0.9) 61 95 5 0
Lamotrigine 7.1(1.7) 27 66 32 2
Carbamazepine 6.8(1.5) 14 61 36 4
Thryoid hormone 5.8(2.2) 11 43 38 20
Gabapentin 5.2(2.1) 7 29 47 24
ECT (acute and maintenance) 5.0(2.4) 11 30 39 30
Lithium
Divalproex 7.9(1.4) 48 88 13 0
Lamotrigine 7.6(1.6) 38 76 22 2
Carbamazepine 7.1(1.5) 23 70 29 2
Thryoid hormone 6.0(2.2) 9 48 32 20
Gabapentin 5.3(2.2) 11 29 47 24
Lamotrigine 7.5(1.6) 35 76 20 4
Carbamazepine 6.4(1.8) 14 46 46 7
Thryoid hormone 6.2(2.2) 13 52 30 18
Gabapentin 5.4(2.0) 4 32 50 19
Carbamazepine
Lithium 8.1(1.1) 48 91 9 0
Divalproex 7.5(1.5) 34 84 14 2
Lamotrigine 7.2(1.6) 27 70 29 2
Thryoid hormone 5.8(2.1) 9 45 36 20
Gabapentin 5.2(2.0) 4 30 46 23
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Rapid cycling: alternative treatments. Suppose that you have run the gamut of various combinations of “mainstream” mood
36 stabilizers, adjunctive antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines, but the patient continues to have at least 4 breakthrough episodes per
year involving both poles. Assume that the patient cannot tolerate antidepressants because of increased cycling. Please rate the general
effectiveness of the following alternative options as add-on treatments for symptoms of depression or mania.
As Add-On for Depressive Symptoms
Thyroid hormone in some form 6.6(1.8) 15 61 33 6
Clozapine 6.3(2.0) 11 53 38 9
Nimodipine 4.6(2.0) 2 20 50 30
Topiramate 4.6(1.7) 0 12 69 19
Inositol 4.3(1.4) 0 9 57 33
Buspirone 4.3(1.6) 0 9 51 40
St. John’s wort 3.9(1.6) 0 6 52 43
Tiagabine 3.8(1.8) 0 8 52 40
Phenytoin 2.6(1.4) 0 2 20 78
As Add-On for Manic Symptoms
Clozapine 7.7(1.4) 38 82 16 2
Topiramate 6.1(1.7) 8 40 56 4
Thyroid hormone in some form 5.5(2.2) 8 38 44 18
Nimodipine 5.4(2.0) 6 38 49 13
Tiagabine 4.6(1.9) 0 18 55 27
Choline 3.7(1.7) 0 9 44 46
Inositol 3.7(1.5) 0 6 43 52
Beta blocker 3.6(1.5) 0 4 41 55
Phenytoin 3.0(1.7) 0 4 28 69
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Starting the right medication for a previously misdiagnosed patient with chronic bipolar disorder. Many patients with bipolar
37 disorder are misdiagnosed for an average of 8 years. Suppose a patient comes to you for consultation 1 month after stabilization
from an acute psychiatric exacerbation (e.g., with antidepressants or antipsychotics alone) but having never received a mood stabilizer. You
now diagnose the patient as bipolar and recommend a mood stabilizer and perhaps other medications. Please rate each option for the
vignettes presented below.
FORMER DIAGNOSIS 95% CONFIDENCE INTERVALS Tr of 1st 2nd 3rd

NEW DIAGNOSIS Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Unipolar Depression
Bipolar I, recently depressed
Lithium alone * 8.3(1.1) 61 96 2 2
Divalproex alone 7.5(1.3) 30 80 18 2
Carbamazepine alone 6.0(1.8) 11 34 61 5
Lamotrigine alone 5.9(1.8) 7 36 54 11
Combine 2 top-ranked mood stabilizers 5.1(2.1) 5 29 48 23
Include an antidepressant in the initial plan 5.0(2.3) 7 29 41 30
Gabapentin alone 4.1(1.7) 0 11 46 44
Include an antipsychotic in the initial plan 3.2(1.7) 0 4 33 64
Calcium channel blocker alone 3.1(1.7) 2 4 29 68
Schizophrenia
Bipolar I, recently manic with psychotic features
Lithium alone 7.2(1.6) 25 68 29 4
Include an antipsychotic in the initial plan* 7.0(1.9) 29 68 27 5
Borderline Personality Disorder + Dysthymia
Bipolar II, recently depressed
Lithium alone 7.4(1.3) 23 86 13 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
*One-way ANOVA found no difference between this option and the 2 first-line options (F = 2.989, P = 0.53).

Starting the right medication for a previously misdiagnosed patient with chronic bipolar disorder, continued
37
FORMER DIAGNOSIS 95% CONFIDENCE INTERVALS Tr of 1st 2nd 3rd
NEW DIAGNOSIS Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
ADHD
Bipolar II, recently hypomanic
Lithium alone 7.6(1.4) 30 84 14 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is thought to help stabilize some bipolar patients. Please rate the following strategies for its use in the
38 following situations. AD = antidepressant, MS = mood stabilizer.
Non-rapid cycling, inadequate response to AD
Combine thyroid hormone with AD and MS 6.8(1.8) 23 66 29 5
Discontinue or do not initiate AD; use thyroid 4.2(1.9) 2 11 43 46
hormone only + MS
Rapid cycling with frequent depression; mania is
suppressed with MS
hormone only + MS
Rapid cycling, depressed on MS alone,
(hypo)manic on AD
hormone only + MS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Initial trial to assess efficacy Minimum weeks Maximum weeks

Avg (SD) Avg (SD)
Non-rapid cycling 3.9 (2.7) 9.6 (7.9)
Rapid cycling with frequent depression 4.6 (3.1) 11.1 (8.4)
Rapid cycling with depression on MS and hypomania on AD 4.4 (3.0) 10.9 (8.1)
If effective, before tapering Minimum months Maximum months Indefinitely

Avg (SD) Avg (SD) %
Non-rapid cycling 4.2 (3.0) 9.2 (5.8) 59.3
Rapid cycling with frequent depression 6.2 (5.4) 11.9 (8.6) 75.9
Rapid cycling with depression on MS and hypomania on AD 6.2 (5.3) 12.3 (9.1) 79.6

Thryoid hormone: forms and dosing. Please rate the following forms and dosing strategies of thyroid hormone for each use.
Acute-Phase Augmentation of Antidepressant
T3 at replacement dose 7.4(1.7) 34 77 20 4
Combine T3 and T4 at replacement doses 5.2(2.4) 9 34 36 30
T4 at hypermetabolic dose 4.4(2.1) 4 18 42 40
Combine T3 and T4 in overall hypermetabolic dose 3.3(2.1) 2 13 19 69
Long-Term Management of Rapid Cycling
Combine T3 and T4 at replacement doses 5.1(2.1) 9 23 54 23
Combine T3 and T4 in overall hypermetabolic dose 4.7(2.5) 7 30 27 43
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
The safety of long-term thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression is controversial, in part due to concerns about effects on bone
40 density. Assume that a patient with severe bipolar disorder improves markedly on hypermetabolic doses of thyroid hormone. Please rate the
appropriateness of each of the following monitoring and dosing strategies depending on demographics and the presence or absence of thyroid side
effects.
Clinically Euthyroid, Not a Postmenopausal
Woman
In most cases, attempt dose reduction at some point 6.8(1.9) 26 65 30 6
in the not too distant future; no need for routine
Do not monitor bone density routinely; reduce dose 6.0(2.2) 17 45 34 21
only if patient develops significant side effects of
hyperthyroidism
Monitor bone density periodically and reduce dose 5.8(1.9) 11 33 54 13
if bone density decreased
Clinically Euthyroid, Postmenopausal Woman
hyperthyroidism
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Safety of long-term thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression, continued

Any Patient Wth Mild Signs of Hyperthyroidism–
Willing to Tolerate Due to Mood Benefits
hyperthyroidism
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Managing weight gain on lithium or divalproex. Please rate each of the following options for a patient who has gained an undesirable
41 amount of weight on long-term lithium and/or divalproex, but for whom the medication has been markedly effective for long-term mood
stabilization. Assume the patient is euthyroid and in good general health and has never had other mood stabilizers.
Continue present medication, focus on diet and
exercise
* 8.1(1.1) 50 91 9 0
Continue present medication, add topiramate 6.5(1.8) 11 63 25 13

If patient has used only divalproex, attempt gradual 5.8(1.7) 7 31 60 9
switch to lithium
Continue present medication but gradually reduce 5.5(2.0) 7 35 44 22
dose
If patient has used only lithium, attempt gradual 5.5(1.6) 7 18 75 7
switch to divalproex
Attempt gradual switch to carbamazepine 5.4(1.9) 5 32 50 18
Attempt gradual switch to lamotrigine 5.3(2.0) 7 27 52 21
Continue present medication, add nonstimulant 4.8(1.7) 0 18 55 27
appetite suppressant (e.g., sibutramine)
Continue present medication, add thyroid hormone 4.7(1.9) 0 16 55 29
Attempt gradual switch to gabapentin 4.3(1.8) 2 18 41 41
Continue present medication, add stimulant (unless 4.0(1.8) 0 9 45 46
contraindicated by history of mood switching on
antidepressants)
Continue present medication and add a histamine2 3.9(1.8) 0 7 50 43
blocker
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Managing weight gain on atypical antipsychotics. A patient with suboptimal response to the combination of lithium and divalproex
42 improves markedly with the addition of an atypical antipsychotic. Unfortunately, on this regimen the patient gains an average of 4 to 6
pounds per month despite exercise and dieting. Please rate the following interventions to address the weight gain.
Intervene early, e.g., as soon as it is perceived that 7.9(1.1) 39 91 9 0
weight gain is a problem
Continue the current regimen; intervene only if 4.5(1.9) 4 13 50 38
patient becomes severely obese
Continue the current regimen even if patient 4.4(1.7) 2 7 59 34
becomes obese, unless significant medical problems
occur (e.g., hyperglycemia, hypertension, edema)
If You Have Decided to Intervene:
Change to another currently available atypical 7.3(1.6) 27 73 23 4
antipsychotic (i.e., olanzapine, risperidone, or
quetiapine)
Gradually decrease the dose of the current atypical 7.0(1.3) 17 69 30 2
antipsychotic
Add topiramate 6.9(1.7) 13 68 25 7
Decrease dose of mood stabilizer 5.3(1.9) 2 38 46 16
Switch to molindone 5.0(2.1) 4 33 42 26
Add a nonstimulant appetite suppressant 4.8(2.0) 5 18 50 32
(e.g., sibutramine)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Nonadherence to medication regimen. Please rate the following strategies for a patient with a history of poor adherence to multiple
43 medication regimens.
If on lithium, use once-daily dosing * 8.4(0.9) 61 96 4 0
Encourage use of adherence-enhancing aids * 8.4(1.0) 64 95 5 0
Enlist the help of family members to monitor or
supervise medication use
* 8.3(0.9) 55 96 4 0
If on divalproex, use once-daily dosing * 8.1(1.2) 57 91 9 0

Close monitoring of medication blood levels 7.7(1.1) 32 82 18 0
Incorporate use of a depot antipsychotic in the 5.9(2.1) 13 46 38 16
treatment regimen
If on gabapentin, use once-daily dosing 5.8(2.4) 18 43 36 21
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Management of special problems: selecting medications when one must be used. Please rate each medication for use in a
44–46 patient with bipolar disorder who also has the comorbid condition, specific symptom, or demographic profile shown below.
Assume the particular patient absolutely must be on a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic. We are not asking you to rate the medications as
monotherapy or for specific phases of bipolar disorder, but only as to their general safety or desirability for inclusion in a treatment plan for a bipolar
patient with the condition noted.
Marked Insomnia
Divalproex 7.8(1.3) 36 83 17 0
Carbamazepine 6.8(1.4) 13 57 43 0
Gabapentin 6.7(2.0) 23 62 28 9
Lithium 6.4(1.6) 13 49 47 4
Lamotrigine 5.7(1.7) 8 32 55 13
Marked Psychomotor Agitation
Divalproex 7.9(1.4) 42 91 8 2
Carbamazepine 6.9(1.6) 17 62 36 2
Lithium 6.8(1.6) 15 64 30 6
Gabapentin 6.1(2.2) 17 51 32 17
Lamotrigine 5.4(1.7) 8 23 66 11
Marked Psychomotor Retardation
Lithium 7.3(1.4) 25 74 26 0
Lamotrigine 6.6(1.8) 19 57 38 6
Divalproex 6.3(1.8) 13 45 45 9
Gabapentin 5.4(1.9) 6 28 53 19
Marked Aggression, Violence
Divalproex * 8.3(1.1) 57 93 8 0
Carbamazepine 7.4(1.4) 28 77 23 0
Lithium 7.4(1.3) 27 77 23 0
Gabapentin 5.3(1.9) 8 28 51 21
Lamotrigine 5.1(1.6) 6 19 64 17
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

44–46. Management of special problems: selecting medications when one must be used, continued
Panic Disorder
Divalproex 7.8(1.3) 38 88 11 2
Gabapentin 7.0(1.6) 20 70 29 2
Lithium 6.0(2.0) 13 46 43 11
Lamotrigine 5.7(1.5) 2 36 54 11
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Divalproex 6.4(2.0) 17 57 34 9
Lithium 6.3(2.0) 15 59 32 9
Gabapentin 5.7(1.9) 9 32 59 9
Carbamazepine 5.5(2.0) 4 38 47 15
Lamotrigine 5.4(1.8) 4 28 57 15
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Divalproex 6.8(2.0) 26 68 25 8
Lithium 6.1(2.0) 13 55 34 11
Carbamazepine 5.9(1.9) 8 42 47 11
Lamotrigine 5.6(1.7) 6 30 59 11
Gabapentin 5.3(1.9) 4 26 53 21
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Divalproex 7.7(1.3) 37 85 15 0
Carbamazepine 6.8(1.5) 17 61 37 2
Gabapentin 6.2(1.6) 13 43 54 4
Lithium 6.1(2.1) 13 56 33 11
Lamotrigine 5.6(1.7) 4 28 65 7
Bulimia Nervosa
Divalproex 5.9(2.2) 19 43 47 9
Carbamazepine 5.6(2.0) 8 38 51 11
Lamotrigine 5.4(2.0) 4 36 43 21
Gabapentin 5.2(2.0) 6 25 53 23
Lithium 4.9(2.3) 11 25 45 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Alcohol Abuse
Divalproex 7.3(1.5) 28 72 28 0
Lithium 6.9(1.6) 17 65 33 2
Gabapentin 6.3(2.1) 17 52 33 15
Carbamazepine 6.2(1.9) 15 48 46 6
Lamotrigine 5.7(1.7) 6 32 59 9
Other Substance Abuse
Divalproex 7.6(1.3) 32 83 17 0
Carbamazepine 6.7(1.5) 15 57 41 2
Lithium 6.6(1.7) 11 60 34 6
Gabapentin 6.3(2.0) 13 52 37 11
Lamotrigine 5.9(1.6) 6 32 63 6
Renal Insufficiency
Divalproex 7.6(1.4) 36 83 17 0
Carbamazepine 7.0(1.4) 19 66 34 0
Lamotrigine 6.3(1.7) 11 47 43 9
Gabapentin 5.5(2.1) 9 36 42 23
Lithium 3.3(1.5) 0 2 46 52
Liver Disease
Lithium * 8.6(0.7) 70 96 4 0
Gabapentin 6.8(2.2) 28 69 17 15
Lamotrigine 5.1(1.6) 0 17 67 17
Carbamazepine 4.2(1.6) 0 11 54 35
Divalproex 4.0(1.5) 0 6 54 41
Heart Disease
Divalproex 7.6(1.3) 30 83 17 0
Gabapentin 6.8(1.8) 15 69 24 7
Lamotrigine 6.3(1.5) 9 44 50 6
Lithium 6.3(1.6) 8 40 55 6
Carbamazepine 5.7(1.7) 6 37 50 13
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Stroke or Head Injury Resulting in Mania
Divalproex * 8.3(1.0) 59 93 7 0
Carbamazepine 7.6(1.4) 33 82 19 0
Gabapentin 5.8(1.8) 6 37 48 15
Lithium 5.8(1.6) 7 26 67 7
Lamotrigine 5.6(1.7) 6 32 57 11
Concern About Weight Gain
Carbamazepine 6.7(1.6) 13 65 28 7
Lamotrigine 6.6(1.8) 17 56 35 9
Gabapentin 5.9(1.9) 6 43 44 13
Lithium 4.9(2.0) 2 28 48 24
Divalproex 4.7(1.8) 0 20 54 26
Young Woman Wishing to Become Pregnant
Lithium 5.3(2.3) 7 35 41 24
Gabapentin 4.3(1.9) 0 11 46 44
Lamotrigine 4.2(2.0) 2 9 52 39
Divalproex 3.4(1.7) 0 6 42 53
Trying to Get Pregnant and Needing Medication
Lithium 5.5(2.2) 9 37 41 22
Gabapentin 4.4(2.0) 2 17 44 39
Lamotrigine 4.4(1.8) 2 9 54 37
Divalproex 3.5(2.1) 0 9 28 63
First Trimester of Pregnancy, Needing Medication
Lithium 5.0(2.4) 11 24 46 30
Gabapentin 3.9(1.9) 0 9 44 46
Lamotrigine 3.9(1.8) 0 4 50 46
Divalproex 2.8(1.9) 0 7 15 78
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

2nd or 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy and Needing
Medication
Lithium 6.7(1.5) 11 56 43 2
Divalproex 5.6(2.1) 7 39 43 19
Carbamazepine 5.4(1.9) 4 33 52 15
Gabapentin 5.0(1.8) 2 22 52 26
Lamotrigine 4.9(1.9) 2 20 54 26
Postpartum, Breast-Feeding, and Needing
Medication
Divalproex 5.6(1.8) 6 23 67 10
Lithium 5.2(2.3) 8 34 40 26
Gabapentin 4.9(1.7) 2 17 60 23
Lamotrigine 4.6(1.7) 2 10 67 23
Prepubertal Child
Lithium 7.1(1.5) 24 73 28 0
Divalproex 6.5(1.8) 17 60 35 6
Gabapentin 5.3(2.0) 6 27 56 17
Lamotrigine 4.2(2.1) 2 14 52 35
Adolescent Girl
Lithium 7.3(1.5) 28 76 22 2
Carbamazepine 6.2(1.9) 12 51 43 6
Divalproex 6.0(2.2) 15 50 37 14
Gabapentin 5.7(2.0) 8 35 49 16
Lamotrigine 5.2(2.1) 4 31 45 24
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Adolescent Boy
Divalproex 7.7(1.3) 37 86 14 0
Lithium 7.4(1.5) 29 77 22 2
Carbamazepine 6.5(1.6) 14 54 42 4
Gabapentin 5.7(2.0) 10 37 47 16
Lamotrigine 5.3(2.1) 4 29 48 23
Elderly Patient With Dementia
Divalproex 7.6(1.2) 32 85 15 0
Carbamazepine 6.1(1.8) 13 44 44 11
Gabapentin 5.7(2.1) 9 37 43 20
Lithium 5.3(1.6) 2 20 67 13
Lamotrigine 5.2(1.7) 4 17 67 17
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Drug in Development: Ziprasidone
Because ziprasidone is not yet approved for use in the United States, in questions 3, 10, and 18, we instructed the experts to
rate it only if they had used it in a clinical trial or had other first-hand experience. Twenty-one experts had had some
experience with ziprasidone. On this page, we present the ratings for ziprasidone from the 4 questions in which it was
included as an option and indicate the number of experts (n) who rated it. Readers should keep in mind that in each of the
questions below, ziprasidone was rated in comparison with the currently available antipsychotics.
Treatment of mania: first episode, choice of antipsychotic. In the situation described in question 1, assume you have decided to use an
3 oral antipsychotic as part of your initial treatment plan. Please rate each of the following as an initial choice in each of the symptom
presentations.
(n = 21) Third Line Second Line First Line Avg(SD) Chc Line Line Line
Ziprasidone for mania with psychosis 6.5(2.1) 10 57 29 14
Ziprasidone for euphoric mania 6.1(2.2) 10 52 33 14
Ziprasidone for dysphoric mania 6.1(2.1) 10 52 33 14
Ziprasidone for true mixed mania 6.1(2.0) 10 48 38 14
Ziprasidone for hypomania 5.1(2.4) 0 33 43 24
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Choice of agents for long-term antipsychotic maintenance. Suppose you have determined that a patient needs long-term
10 maintenance with an oral antipsychotic along with a mood stabilizer. Regardless of your recommendation for choice of
antipsychotics during the acute phase, please rate each of the following for long-term use in this situation.
Ziprasidone 6.1(2.1) 11 42 42 16
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Bipolar depression with psychosis: choice of antipsychotic. Assume you have decided to use an antipsychotic in the acute-phase
18 treatment of a patient with bipolar depression with psychotic features. Please rate the following options.
Ziprasidone 7.1(1.7) 24 71 24 6
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %
Managing weight gain on atypical antipsychotics. A patient with suboptimal response to the combination of lithium and divalproex
42 improves markedly with the addition of an atypical antipsychotic. Unfortunately, on this regimen the patient gains an average of 4 to 6
pounds per month despite exercise and dieting. Please rate the following interventions to address the weight gain.
Switch to ziprasidone if available 6.7(2.3) 33 59 33 9
(e.g., through a clinical trial)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 % % % %

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families

David A. Kahn, M.D., Ruth Ross, M.A., David J. Printz, M.D., and Gary S. Sachs, M.D.
B
ipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness) is a present for at least 1 week and make it very difficult for the person to
severe biological disorder that affects approximately 1.2% of function:
the adult population (more than 2.2 million people in the ● Feeling unusually “high,” euphoric, or irritable
United States). Although the symptoms and severity vary, bipolar Plus at least 4 of the following symptoms:
disorder almost always has a powerful impact on those who have the ● Needing little sleep yet having great amounts of energy
illness as well as on their family members, partners, and friends. If ● Talking so fast that others cannot follow you
you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with bipolar ● Having racing thoughts
disorder, you may have many questions about the nature of the ● Being so easily distracted that your attention shifts between
illness, its causes, and the treatments that are available. This guide is many topics in just a few minutes
intended to answer some of the most commonly asked questions ● Having an inflated feeling of power, greatness, or importance
about bipolar disorder. ● Doing reckless things without concern about possible bad
consequences (e.g., spending too much money, inappropriate
WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER? sexual activity, or making foolish business investments)
In severe cases, the person may also experience psychotic symptoms
As human beings, we all experience a variety of moods—happi- such as hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there) or
ness, sadness, anger, to name a few. Unpleasant moods and changes delusions (firmly believing things that are not true).
in mood are normal reactions in everyday life, and we can often
identify the events that caused our mood to change. However, when Hypomania (hypomanic episode). Hypomania is a milder form of
we experience changes in mood—or extremes of mood—that are out mania that has similar but less severe symptoms and causes less
of proportion to events or come “out of the blue” and make it hard impairment. During a hypomanic episode, the person may have an
for us to function, these changes are often the result of a mood elevated mood, feel better than usual, and be more productive. These
disorder. episodes often feel good and the quest for hypomania may even cause
Mood disorders are biological illnesses that affect our ability to some individuals with bipolar disorder to stop their medication.
experience normal mood states. There are 2 general groups of mood However, hypomania can rarely be maintained indefinitely, and is
disorders: unipolar depressive disorders, in which all abnormal mood often followed by an escalation to mania or a crash to depression.
changes involve a lowering of mood, and bipolar disorders, in which
at least some of the mood changes involve abnormal elevation of Depression (major depressive episode). In a major depressive episode,
mood. All mood disorders are caused by changes in brain chemistry. the following symptoms are present for at least 2 weeks and make it
They are not the fault of the person suffering from them. They are difficult for the person to function:
not the result of a “weak” or unstable personality. Rather, mood ● Feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps or losing interest in the
disorders are treatable medical illnesses for which there are specific things one normally enjoys
medications that help most people. Plus at least 4 of the following symptoms:
● Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
How is the diagnosis made? ● Loss of appetite or eating too much
Although bipolar disorder is clearly a biological disease, there are ● Problems concentrating or making decisions
no laboratory tests or other procedures that a doctor can use to make ● Feeling slowed down or feeling too agitated to sit still
a definitive diagnosis. Instead, the doctor diagnoses the illness based ● Feeling worthless or guilty or having very low self-esteem
on a group of symptoms that occur together. To make an accurate ● Thoughts of suicide or death
diagnosis, the doctor will need to take a careful history of the symp- Severe depressions may also include hallucinations or delusions.
toms the person is currently experiencing as well as any symptoms he
or she has had in the past. Mixed Episode. Perhaps the most disabling episodes are those that
involve symptoms of both mania and depression occurring at the
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder? same time or alternating frequently during the day. Individuals are
Bipolar disorder is a disease in which the person’s mood changes in excitable or agitated as in mania but also feel irritable and depressed.
cycles over time. Over the course of the illness, the person experiences Owing to the combination of high energy and depression, mixed
periods of elevated mood, periods of depressed mood, and times episodes present the greatest risk of suicide.
when mood is normal. There are 4 different kinds of mood episodes
that occur in bipolar disorder: What are the different patterns of bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar disorder vary in the types of episodes they
Mania (manic episode). Mania often begins with a pleasurable sense usually have and how often they become ill. Some individuals have
of heightened energy, creativity, and social ease. However, these equal numbers of manic and depressive episodes; others have mostly
feelings quickly progress to full-blown euphoria (extremely elevated one type or the other. The average person with bipolar disorder has 4
mood) or severe irritability. People with mania typically lack insight, episodes during the first 10 years of the illness. Men are more likely
deny that anything is wrong, and angrily blame anyone who points to start with a manic episode, women with a depressive episode.
out a problem. In a manic episode, the following symptoms are While a number of years can elapse between the first 2 or 3 episodes

of mania or depression, without treatment most people eventually disorder, such as a neurological illness or the effects of drugs, alcohol,
have more frequent episodes. Sometimes these follow a seasonal or some prescription medications.
pattern (for example, becoming hypomanic in the summer and
depressed in the winter). A small number of people cycle frequently Why is it important to diagnose and treat bipolar disorder as
or even continuously throughout the year (termed “rapid-cycling” early as possible?
bipolar disorder). On average, people with bipolar disorder see 3 to 4 doctors and
Episodes can last days, months, or sometimes even years. On spend over 8 years seeking treatment before they receive a correct
average, without treatment, manic or hypomanic episodes last a few diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis, proper treatment, and finding the right
months, while depressions often last well over 6 months. Some medications can help people avoid the following:
individuals recover completely between episodes and may go many ● Suicide. The risk is highest in the initial years of the illness.
years without any symptoms, while others continue to have low- Over the course of the illness nearly 1 out of 5 individuals with
grade but troubling depression or mild swings up and down. bipolar disorder will die from suicide, making it one of the most
Special terms are used to describe these common patterns: lethal psychiatric illnesses.
● Alcohol/substance abuse. More than 50% of those with bipolar
● In Bipolar I Disorder, a person has manic or mixed episodes and disorder abuse alcohol or drugs during their illness. While some
almost always has depressions as well. If someone becomes ill for individuals may use substances in an attempt to “self-medicate”
the first time with a manic episode, the illness is still considered symptoms of bipolar illness, individuals with a combination of
bipolar even though depressions have not yet occurred. It is substance abuse and bipolar illness have a worse outcome.
highly likely that future episodes will involve depression as well ● Marital and work problems. Prompt treatment improves the
as mania unless effective treatment is received. prospects for a stable marriage and productive work.
● Treatment difficulties. In some individuals, it appears that
● In Bipolar II Disorder, a person has only hypomanic and episodes become more frequent and harder to treat over time.
depressive episodes, not full manic or mixed episodes. This type This is sometimes referred to as “kindling.”
is often hard to recognize because hypomania may seem normal ● Incorrect, inappropriate, or partial treatment. A person misdi-
if the person is very productive and avoids getting into serious agnosed as having depression alone instead of bipolar disorder
trouble. Individuals with bipolar II disorder frequently overlook may incorrectly receive antidepressants alone without a mood
episodes of hypomania and seek treatment only for depression. stabilizing medication. This can trigger manic episodes and
Unfortunately, if a mood stabilizer is not prescribed with an make the overall course of the illness worse.
antidepressant for unrecognized bipolar II disorder, the antide-
pressant may trigger a “high” or set off more frequent cycles. What causes bipolar disorder?
There is no single, proven cause of bipolar disorder, but research
● In Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder, a person has at least 4 suggests that it is the result of abnormalities in the way some nerve
episodes per year, in any combination of manic, hypomanic, cells in the brain function or communicate. Whatever the precise
mixed, or depressive episodes. This course pattern is seen in nature of the biochemical problem underlying bipolar illness, it
approximately 5% to 15% of patients with bipolar disorder. It is clearly makes people with the disorder more vulnerable to emotional
sometimes associated with use of antidepressants without mood and physical stresses. As a result, upsetting life experiences, substance
stabilizers, which may increase cycling. For unknown reasons, use, lack of sleep, or other stresses can trigger episodes of illness, even
the rapid-cycling subtype of bipolar disorder is more common in though these stresses do not actually cause the disorder.
women. This theory of an inborn vulnerability interacting with an envi-
ronmental trigger is similar to theories proposed for many other
Are there other psychiatric conditions that may be confused medical conditions. In heart disease, for example, a person might
with, or coexist with, bipolar disorder? inherit a tendency to have high cholesterol or high blood pressure,
Bipolar disorder can be confused with other disorders, including a which can cause gradual damage to the heart’s supply of oxygen.
variety of anxiety disorders and psychotic disorders (such as schizo- During stress, such as physical exertion or emotional tension, the
phrenia and schizoaffective disorder). This is because anxiety and person might suddenly develop chest pain or have a heart attack if
psychotic symptoms often occur during the course of bipolar disor- the oxygen supply becomes too low. The treatment in this case is to
der. Individuals with bipolar disorder also frequently suffer from take medication to lower the cholesterol or blood pressure (treating
psychiatric disorders that are “comorbid” with (are present in the underlying illness) and make changes in lifestyle (e.g., exercise,
addition to) the bipolar illness. The most common of these co- diet, reducing stresses that can trigger acute episodes). Similarly, in
morbid conditions are substance abuse disorders, obsessive- bipolar disorder, we use mood stabilizers to treat the underlying
compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. If you have any concerns biological disorder while at the same time recommending changes in
about whether your diagnosis is correct, you should feel comfortable lifestyle (e.g., reducing stress, good sleep habits, avoiding substances
asking the doctor to explain how he or she arrived at a diagnosis of of abuse) to lower the risk of relapse.
bipolar disorder.
Is bipolar disorder inherited?
When does bipolar disorder begin? Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. Researchers have identi-
Bipolar disorder usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, fied a number of genes that may be linked to the disorder, suggesting
although it can sometimes start in early childhood or as late as the that several different biochemical problems may occur in bipolar
40s or 50s. When someone over 50 has a manic episode for the first disorder. Like other complex inherited disorders, bipolar disorder
time, the cause is more likely to be a problem imitating bipolar only occurs in a fraction of the individuals at genetic risk. For

example, if an individual has bipolar disorder and his or her spouse thyroid gland and the kidneys, so that periodic blood tests are needed
does not, there is only a 1 in 7 chance that their child will develop it. to be sure they are functioning properly.
The chance may be greater if you have a greater number of relatives
with bipolar disorder or depression. Divalproex (brand name Depakote)
Divalproex has been used as an anticonvulsant—to treat seizures—
HOW IS BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATED? for several decades. It has also been extensively researched as a mood
stabilizer in bipolar illness. Divalproex is equally effective in both
Stages of Treatment euphoric and mixed manic episodes. It is also effective in rapid
● Acute phase: treatment is aimed at ending the current manic, cycling bipolar disorder and for individuals whose illness is compli-
hypomanic, depressive, or mixed episode cated by substance abuse or anxiety disorders. Unlike other mood
● Preventive or maintenance phase: treatment is continued on a stabilizers, divalproex can be given in relatively large initial doses for
long-term basis to prevent future episodes acute mania, which may produce a more rapid response. Common
side effects of divalproex include sedation, weight gain, tremor, and
Components of Treatment gastrointestinal problems. Blood level monitoring and dose adjust-
● Medication is necessary for nearly all patients during acute and ments may help minimize side effects. Divalproex may cause a mild
preventive phases. liver inflammation and may affect the production of a type of blood
● Education is crucial in helping patients and families learn how cell called platelets. Although it is quite rare for there to be any
best to manage bipolar disorder and prevent its complications. serious complications from these potential effects, it is important to
● Psychotherapy helps patients and families affected by bipolar monitor liver function tests and platelet counts periodically.
disorder deal with disturbing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in
a constructive manner. Other anticonvulsants used as mood stabilizers
● Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol). Although fewer clinical
TYPES OF MEDICATION studies support the use of carbamazepine, it appears to have a
profile similar to divalproex. It, too, has been available for many
The 3 most important types of medication used to control the years, and is effective in a broad range of subtypes of bipolar
symptoms of bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers, antidepressants, illness and in both euphoric and mixed manic episodes. Car-
and antipsychotics. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications bamazepine commonly causes sedation and gastrointestinal side
to help with insomnia, anxiety, or restlessness. While we do not effects. Because of a rare risk of bone marrow suppression and
understand how some of these medications work, we do know that liver inflammation, periodic blood testing is also needed during
all of them affect chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, carbamazepine treatment, just as during treatment with dival-
which are involved in the functioning of nerve cells. proex. Because carbamazepine has complicated interactions with
many other medications, careful monitoring is needed when it is
What are mood stabilizers? combined with other medications.
Medications are considered mood stabilizers if they have 2 proper- ● Lamotrigine (Lamictal). Lamotrigine is a relatively new medica-
ties: 1) they provide relief from acute episodes of mania or depres- tion. Recent research suggests that it can act as a mood stabilizer,
sion, or prevent them from occurring; and 2) they do not worsen and may be especially useful for the depressed phase of bipolar
depression or mania or lead to increased cycling. disorder. One serious risk of lamotrigine use is that 3 out of
Lithium, divalproex and carbamazepine have been shown to meet every 1,000 individuals (0.3%) taking the medication develop a
this definition; the first 2 are the best established and most widely serious rash. The risk of rash can be lowered by increasing the
used. Divalproex and carbamazepine were originally developed as dosage very slowly. Aside from the risk of rash, lamotrigine tends
anticonvulsants for the control of epilepsy, another brain disorder. to have fewer troublesome side effects overall, but can cause
Other available medications that are undergoing research as promis- dizziness, headaches, and difficulties with vision.
ing mood stabilizers include several new anticonvulsants and the ● Gabapentin (Neurontin). Gabapentin has become popular as a
newer “atypical” antipsychotics. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), mood stabilizer, although there has been relatively little research
discussed later, is also considered a mood stabilizing treatment. on its use in bipolar disorder. It appears especially helpful in
reducing anxiety. One strength of gabapentin is that it is un-
Lithium (brand names Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate) likely to interact with other medications, so that it can be easily
The first known mood stabilizer, lithium, is actually an element added to other mood stabilizers to augment their effect. Side
rather than a compound (a substance synthesized by a laboratory). effects of gabapentin can include fatigue, sedation, and dizziness.
Lithium was first found to have behavioral effects in the 1950s and ● Topiramate (Topomax). Preliminary research suggests that this
has been used as a mood stabilizer in the United States for 30 years. new anticonvulsant may be helpful in mania. One side effect of
Lithium appears to be most effective for individuals with more topiramate may actually be an advantage. Unlike many of the other
“pure” or euphoric mania (where there is little depression mixed in mood stabilizers, topiramate does not appear to cause weight gain
with the elevated mood). It is also helpful for depression, especially and may actually help people lose weight. Other side effects may
when added to other medications. Lithium appears to be less effective include sedation, dizziness, and cognitive slowing or memory diffi-
in mixed manic episodes and in rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. culties. It should avoided by people who have had kidney stones.
Monitoring blood levels of lithium can reduce side effects and ensure
that the patient is receiving an adequate dose to help produce the best What are antidepressants?
response. Common side effects of lithium include weight gain, Antidepressants treat the symptoms of depression. In bipolar
tremor, nausea, and increased urination. Lithium may affect the disorder, antidepressants must be used together with a mood stabiliz-

ing medication. If used without a mood stabilizer, an antidepressant Examples of conventional antipsychotics include older medica-
can push a person with bipolar disorder into a manic state. Many tions such as haloperidol (Haldol), perphenazine (Trilafon), and
types of antidepressants are available with different chemical mecha- chlorpromazine (Thorazine). Although they are not usually a first
nisms of action and side effect profiles. Most research with antidepres- choice, the older medications can be helpful for patients who do not
sants has been done in people with unipolar depression—people who respond to or have troublesome side effects with the newer atypical
have never had a manic episode. In unipolar depression, the available antipsychotics.
medications are about equally effective. There has been little research
on the use of antidepressants in bipolar disorder, but most experts ACUTE PHASE OF TREATMENT
consider the following 3 types to be first choices:
● Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Selecting a mood stabilizer for an acute manic episode
● Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvox- The first-line drugs for treating a manic episode during the acute
amine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) phase are lithium and valproate. In choosing between these 2 medi-
● Venlafaxine (Effexor). cations, your doctor will consider your treatment history (whether
If these do not work, or if they cause unpleasant side effects, the other either of these medicines has worked well for you in the past), the
choices are: subtype of bipolar disorder you have (e.g., whether you have rapid-
● Mirtazapine (Remeron) cycling bipolar disorder), your current mood state (euphoric or
● Nefazodone (Serzone) mixed mania), and the particular side effects that you are most
● Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypro- concerned about.
mine (Parnate). These are very effective but also require you to stay Lithium and divalproex are each good choices for “pure” mania
on a special diet to avoid dangerous side effects. (euphoric mood without symptoms of depression), while divalproex
● Tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine is preferred for mixed episodes or for patients who have rapid-cycling
(Norpramin, Pertofrane), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline bipolar disorder. It is not unusual to combine lithium and divalproex
(Pamelor). Tricyclics may be more likely to cause side effects or to to obtain the best possible response. If this combination is still not
set off manic episodes or rapid cycling. fully effective, a third mood stabilizer is sometimes added.
Carbamazepine is a good alternative medication after lithium and
What are antipsychotic medications? divalproex. Like divalproex, carbamazepine may be particularly
Antipsychotic medications are used to control psychotic symptoms, effective in mixed episodes and in the rapid-cycling subtype. It can be
such as hallucinations or delusions, that sometimes occur in very easily combined with lithium, although it is more complicated to
severe depressive or manic episodes. combine it with divalproex.
Antipsychotics can be used in 2 additional ways in bipolar disorder, The newer anticonvulsants (lamotrigine, gabapentin, and topi-
even if no psychotic symptoms are present. They may be used as ramate) are often best reserved as back-up medications to add to first-
sedatives, especially during early stages of treatment, for insomnia, line medications for mania, or to use instead of the first-line group if
anxiety, and agitation. Researchers also believe that the newer antipsy- there have been difficult side effects.
chotic medications have mood stabilizing properties, and may help
control depression and mania. Antipsychotic medications are therefore How quickly do mood stabilizers work?
often added to mood stabilizers to improve the response in patients It can take a few weeks for a good response to occur with mood
who have never had psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotics may also be stabilizers. However, it is often helpful to combine mood stabilizers
used alone as mood stabilizers when patients cannot tolerate or do not with other medications that provide immediate, short-term relief
respond to any of the mood stabilizers. from the insomnia, anxiety, and agitation that often occur during a
There are 2 kinds of antipsychotics: older antispychotics (often manic episode. The choices for so-called “adjunctive” medication
called “typical” or conventional antipsychotics ) and newer antipsy- include:
chotics (often called atypical antipsychotics). One serious problem ● antipsychotic medicines, especially if the person is also having
with the older antipsychotics is the risk of a permanent movement psychotic symptoms (see above).
disorder called tardive dyskinesia (TD). Older antipsychotic medicines ● a sedative called a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazpeines include
may also cause muscle stiffness, restlessness, and tremors. The newer lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), and others. They
“atypical” antipsychotics have a much lower risk of causing TD should be carefully supervised, or avoided, in patients who have a
(roughly 1% per year) and movement and muscle side effects. Because history of drug addiction or alcoholism.
of this, the newer atypical antipsychotics are usually the first choice in Although both benzodiazepine sedatives and antipsychotic
any of the situations when an antipsychotic is needed. medicines can cause drowsiness, the dosages of these medications can
Four atypical antipsychotics, are currently available: generally be lowered as the person recovers from the acute episode.
● olanzapine (Zyprexa) However, some individuals need to continue taking a sedative for a
● quetiapine (Seroquel) longer period to control certain symptoms such as insomnia or
● risperidone (Risperdal) anxiety. Longer-term treatment with an antipsychotic is sometimes
● clozapine (Clozaril) needed to prevent relapse.
As mentioned earlier, research is beginning to show that these
atypical antipsychotics have mood stabilizing properties. Common Selecting an antidepressant for an acute depression
side effects of the atypical antipsychotics include drowsiness and Although a mood stabilizer alone may treat milder depression, an
weight gain. Although it is very effective, clozapine is not a first choice antidepressant is usually needed for more severe depression. It is
medication because it can cause a rare and serious blood side effect, dangerous to give antidepressants alone in bipolar disorder, because
requiring weekly or biweekly blood tests. they can trigger an increase in cycling or cause the person’s mood to

“overshoot” and switch from depression to hypomania or mania. For their will at the time. Hospitalization should be considered under the
this reason, antidepressants are always given in combination with a following circumstances:
mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder. ● When safety is in question due to suicidal, homicidal, or aggressive
Antidepressants usually take several weeks to show effects. Al- impulses or actions
though the first antidepressant tried will work for the majority of ● When severe distress or dysfunction requires round-the-clock care
patients, it is common for patients to go through 2 or 3 trials of and support (which is difficult, if not impossible, for any family to
antidepressants before finding one that is fully effective and doesn’t sustain for a long period of time)
cause troublesome side effects. While waiting for the antidepressant ● Where there is ongoing substance abuse, to prevent access to drugs
to work, it may be helpful to take a sedating medication to help ● When the patient has an unstable medical condition
relieve insomnia, anxiety, or agitation. ● When close observation of the patient’s reaction to medications is
If depression persists despite use of an antidepressant with a mood required
stabilizer, adding lithium (if not already in use) or changing the
mood stabilizer might help. Lamotrigine, in particular, may be PREVENTIVE TREATMENT
helpful in depression.
Mood stabilizers, especially lithium and divalproex, are the
Strategies to limit side effects cornerstones of prevention or long-term maintenance treatment.
All of the medications that are used to treat bipolar disorder can About 1 in 3 people with bipolar disorder will remain completely
produce bothersome side effects; there are also some serious but rare free of symptoms just by taking mood stabilizing medication for
medical reactions. Just as different people have varying responses to life. Most other people experience a great reduction in the fre-
different medications, the type of side effects different people develop quency and severity of episodes during maintenance treatment.
can vary widely, and some people may not have any side effects at all. It is important not to become overly discouraged when episodes
Also, if someone has problems with side effects on 1 medication, this do occur and to recognize that the success of treatment can only be
does not mean that that person will develop troublesome side effects evaluated over the long term, by looking at the frequency and
on another medication. severity of episodes. Be sure to report changes in mood to your
Certain strategies can help prevent or minimize side effects. For doctor immediately, because adjustments in your medicine at the
example, the doctor may want to start at a low dose and adjust the first warning signs can often restore normal mood and head off a
medication to higher doses very slowly. Although this may mean that full-blown episode. Medication adjustments should be viewed as a
you need to wait longer to see if the medication will help the symp- routine part of treatment (just as insulin doses are changed from
toms, it does reduce the chances of side effects developing. In the case time to time in diabetes). Most patients with bipolar disorder do
of lithium or divalproex, blood level monitoring is very important to best on a combination or “cocktail” of medications. Often the best
insure that a patient is receiving enough medication to help, but not response is achieved with 1 or more mood stabilizers, supple-
more than is necessary. If side effects do occur, the dosage can mented from time to time with an antidepressant or possibly an
frequently be adjusted to eliminate the side effects or another medi- antipsychotic medication.
cation can be added to help. It is important to discuss your concerns Continuing to take medication correctly and as prescribed
about side effects and any problems you may be experiencing with (which is called adherence) on a long-term basis is difficult whether
your doctor, so that he or she can take these into account in planning you are being treated for a medical condition (such as high blood
your treatment. pressure or diabetes) or for bipolar disorder. Individuals with
bipolar disorder are often tempted to stop taking their medication
Electroconvulsive therapy during maintenance treatment for several reasons. They may feel
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often life-saving in severe free of symptoms and think they don’t need medication any more.
depression and mania, but has received a lot of undeserved negative They may find the side effects too hard to deal with. Or they may
publicity. ECT is a critically important option if someone is very miss the mild euphoria they experience during hypomanic epi-
suicidal, if the person is severely ill and cannot wait for medications sodes. However, research clearly indicates that stopping mainte-
to work (e.g., the person is not eating or drinking), if there is a nance medication almost always results in relapse, usually in weeks
history of many unsuccessful medication trials, if medical conditions to months after stopping. In the case of lithium discontinuation,
or pregnancy make medications unsafe, or if psychosis (delusions or the rate of suicide rises precipitously after discontinuation. There is
hallucinations) is present. ECT is administered under anesthesia in a some evidence that stopping lithium in an abrupt fashion (rather
carefully monitored medical setting. Patients typically receive 6 to 10 than slowly tapering off) carries a much greater risk of relapse.
treatments over a few weeks. The most common side effect of ECT is Therefore, if you must discontinue medication, it should be done
temporary memory problems, but memory returns quickly after a gradually under the close medical supervision of your doctor.
course of treatment. If someone has had only a single episode of mania, consideration
may be given to tapering the medication after about a year. How-
About hospitalization ever, if the single episode occurs in someone with a strong family
Many patients with bipolar I disorder (i.e., patients who have had history of bipolar disorder or is particularly severe, longer-term
at least 1 full manic episode) are hospitalized at some point in the maintenance treatment should be considered. If someone has had 2
course of their illness. Because acute mania affects insight and or more manic or depressive episodes, experts strongly recommend
judgment, individuals with mania are often hospitalized over their taking preventive medication indefinitely. The only times to
objections, which can be upsetting for both patients and their loved consider stopping a preventive medication that is working well is if
ones. However, most individuals with mania are grateful for the help a medical condition or severe side effect prevents its safe use, or
they received during the acute episode, even if it was given against when a woman is trying to become pregnant. Even these situations

may not be absolute reasons to stop, and substitute medications productivity. Try to keep predictable hours that allow you to get
can often be found. You should discuss each of these situations to sleep at a reasonable time. If mood symptoms interfere with
carefully with your doctor. your ability to work, discuss with your doctor whether to “tough
it out” or take time off. How much to discuss openly with em-
EDUCATION: ployers and coworkers is ultimately up to you. If you are unable
LEARNING TO COPE WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER to work, you might have a family member tell your employer
that you are not feeling well and that you are under a doctor’s
Another important part of treatment is education. The more you care and will return to work as soon as possible.
and your family and loved ones learn about bipolar disorder and its ● Learn to recognize the “early warning signs” of a new mood
treatment, the better you will be able to cope with it. episode. Early signs of a mood episode differ from person to
person and are different for mood elevations and depressions.
Is there anything I can do to help my treatment? The better you are at spotting your own early warning signs, the
Absolutely, yes. First, you should become an expert on your faster you can get help. Slight changes in mood, sleep, energy,
illness. Since bipolar disorder is a lifetime condition, it is essential self-esteem, sexual interest, concentration, willingness to take on
that you and your family or others close to you learn all about it new projects, thoughts of death (or sudden optimism), and even
and its treatment. Read books, attend lectures, talk to your doctor changes in dress and grooming may be early warnings of an
or therapist, and consider joining a chapter of the National Depres- impending high or low. Pay special attention to a change in your
sive and Manic-Depressive Association (NDMDA) or the National sleep pattern, because this is a common clue that trouble is
Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) near you to stay up to date on brewing. Since loss of insight may be an early sign of an im-
medical and other developments, as well as to learn from others pending mood episode, don’t hesitate to ask your family to
about managing the illness. Being an informed patient is the surest watch for early warnings that you may be missing.
path to success. ● Consider entering a clinical study.
You can often help reduce the minor mood swings and stresses
that sometimes lead to more severe episodes by paying attention to What if you feel like quitting treatment?
the following: It is normal to have occasional doubts and discomfort with
● Maintain a stable sleep pattern. Go to bed around the same treatment. If you feel a treatment is not working or is causing
time each night and get up about the same time each morning. unpleasant side effects, tell your doctor—don’t stop or adjust your
Disrupted sleep patterns appear to cause chemical changes in medication on your own. Symptoms that come back after stopping
your body that can trigger mood episodes. If you have to take a medication are sometimes much harder to treat. Don’t be shy
trip where you will change time zones and might have jet lag, get about asking your doctor to arrange for a second opinion if things
advice from your doctor. are not going well. Consultations can be a great help.
● Maintain a regular pattern of activity. Don’t be frenetic or drive
yourself impossibly hard. How often should I talk with my doctor?
● Do not use alcohol or illicit drugs. Drugs and alcohol can During acute mania or depression, most people talk with their
trigger mood episodes and interfere with the effectiveness of doctor at least once a week, or even every day, to monitor symp-
psychiatric medications. You may sometimes find it tempting to toms, medication doses, and side effects. As you recover, contact
use alcohol or illicit drugs to “treat” your own mood or sleep becomes less frequent; once you are well, you might see your
problems—but this almost always makes matters worse. If you doctor for a quick review every few months.
have a problem with substances, ask your doctor for help and Regardless of scheduled appointments or blood tests, call your
consider self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Be very doctor if you have:
careful about “everyday” use of small amounts of alcohol, caf- ● Suicidal or violent feelings
feine, and some over-the-counter medications for colds, allergies, ● Changes in mood, sleep, or energy
or pain. Even small amounts of these substances can interfere ● Changes in medication side effects
with sleep, mood, or your medicine. It may not seem fair that ● A need to use over-the-counter medications such as cold medi-
you have to deprive yourself of a cocktail before dinner or a cine or pain medicine
morning cup of coffee, but for many people this can be the ● Acute general medical illnesses or a need for surgery, extensive
“straw that breaks the camel’s back.” dental care, or changes in other medicines you take
● Enlist the support of family and friends. However, remember
that it is not always easy to live with someone who has mood How can I monitor my own treatment progress?
swings. If all of you learn as much as possible about bipolar dis- Keeping a mood chart is a good way to help you, your doctor,
order, you will be better able to help reduce the inevitable stress and your family manage your disorder. A mood chart is a diary in
on relationships that the disorder can cause. Even the “calmest” which you keep track of your daily feelings, activities, sleep pat-
family will sometimes need outside help dealing with the stress terns, medication and side effects, and important life events. (You
of a loved one who has continued symptoms. Ask your doctor or can ask your doctor or the NDMDA for a sample chart.) Often
therapist to help educate both you and your family about bipolar just a quick daily entry about your mood is all that is needed.
disorder. Family therapy or joining a support group can also be Many people like using a simple, visual scale—from the “most
very helpful. depressed” to the “most manic” you ever felt, with “normal” being
● Try to reduce stress at work. Of course, you want to do your in the middle. Noticing changes in sleep, stresses in your life, and
very best at work. However, keep in mind that avoiding relapses so forth may help you identify what are the early warning signs of
is more important and will, in the long run, increase your overall mania or depression and what types of triggers typically lead to

episodes for you. Keeping track of your medicines over many listen to a therapist. Long-term psychotherapy may help prevent
months or years will also help you figure out which ones work best both mania and depression by reducing the stresses that trigger
for you. episodes and by increasing patients’ acceptance of the need for
medication.
What can families and friends do to help?
If you are a family member or friend of someone with bipolar Types of psychotherapy
disorder, become informed about the patient’s illness, its causes, Four specific types of psychotherapy have been studied by
and its treatments. Talk to the patient’s doctor if possible. Learn researchers. These approaches are particularly useful during acute
the particular warning signs for that person which indicate that he depression and recovery:
or she is becoming manic or depressed. Talk with the person, while ● Behavioral therapy focuses on behaviors that can increase or
he or she is well, about how you should respond when you see decrease stress and ways to increase pleasurable experiences that
symptoms emerging. may help improve depressive symptoms.
● Encourage the patient to stick with treatment, to see the doctor, ● Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and changing the
and to avoid alcohol and drugs. If the patient is not doing well or pessimistic thoughts and beliefs that can lead to depression.
is having severe side effects, encourage the person to get a second ● Interpersonal therapy focuses on reducing the strain that a mood
opinion, but not to stop medication without advice. disorder may place on relationships.
● If your loved one becomes ill with a mood episode and suddenly ● Social rhythms therapy focuses on restoring and maintaining
views your concern as interference, remember that this is not a personal and social daily routines to stabilize body rhythms,
rejection of you but rather a symptom of the illness. especially the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle.
● Learn the warning signs of suicide and take any threats the person
makes very seriously. If the person is “winding up” his or her affairs, Psychotherapy can be individual (only you and a therapist),
talking about suicide, frequently discussing methods of suicide, or group (with other people with similar problems), or family. The
exhibiting increased feelings of despair, step in and seek help from person who provides therapy may be your doctor or another
the patient’s doctor or other family members or friends. Privacy is clinician, such as a social worker, psychologist, nurse, or counselor
a secondary concern when the person is at risk of committing who works in partnership with your doctor.
suicide. Call 911 or a hospital emergency department if the situa-
tion becomes desperate. How to get the most out of psychotherapy
● With someone prone to manic episodes, take advantage of periods ● Keep your appointments.
of stable mood to arrange “advance directives”—plans and agree- ● Be honest and open.
ments you make with the person when he or she is stable to try to ● Do the homework assigned to you as part of your therapy.
avoid problems during future episodes of illness. You should dis- ● Give the therapist feedback on how the treatment is working.
cuss when to institute safeguards, such as withholding credit cards, Remember that psychotherapy usually works more gradually
banking privileges, and car keys, and when to go to the hospital. than medication and may take 2 months or more to show its full
● Share the responsibility for taking care of the patient with other effects. However, the benefits may be long lasting. Remember
loved ones. This will help reduce the stressful effects that the illness that people can react differently to psychotherapy, just as they do
has on caregivers and prevent you from “burning out” or feeling to medicine.
resentful.
● When patients are recovering from an episode, let them approach INFORMATION, ADVOCACY, AND RESEARCH
life at their own pace, and avoid the extremes of expecting too
much or too little. Try to do things with them, rather than for Some of the major organizations that help people with bipolar
them, so that they are able to regain their sense of self-confidence. disorder are listed below. The first 3 are advocacy groups— grass-
Treat people normally once they have recovered, but be alert for roots organizations founded by patients and families to improve care
telltale symptoms. If there is a recurrence of the illness, you may by providing educational material and support groups, helping with
notice it before the person does. Indicate the early symptoms in a referrals, and working to eliminate stigma and to change laws and
caring manner and suggest talking with the doctor. policies to benefit individuals with mental illness. The support
● Both you and the patient need to learn to tell the difference groups they sponsor provide a forum for mutual acceptance and
between a good day and hypomania, and between a bad day and advice from others who have suffered from severe mood disorders—
depression. Patients with bipolar disorder have good days and bad help that can be invaluable for some individuals. The last 3 organiza-
days just like everyone else. With experience and awareness, you tions, headed by medical researchers, provide education and can help
will be able to tell the difference between the two. with referrals to programs and clinical studies that provide innovative
● Take advantage of the help available from support groups. and state-of-the-art treatment.
PSYCHOTHERAPY National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association

(NDMDA)
Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder helps a person cope with life ● 35,000 members in 250 chapters
problems, come to terms with changes in self-image and life goals, ● For information:
and understand the effects of the illness on significant relationships. 730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501
As a treatment to relieve symptoms during an acute episode, Chicago IL, 60610-3526
psychotherapy is much more likely to help with depression than 800-82-NDMDA (800-826-3632)
with mania—during a manic episode, patients may find it hard to www.ndmda.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Everyone Needs a Hand to Hold on to (18-minute video pro-
● 140,000 members in 1,000 chapters duced for NDMDA; comes with a discussion guide), 1995.
● For information: Living With Manic-Depressive Illness: a Guidebook for Patients,
Colonial Place Three Families and Friends. NDMDA, 1997. Comprehensive, fully
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 updated 60-page guide to the illness.
Arlington, VA 22201-3042 Manic-Depressive Illness. Frederick K. Goodwin, MD, and Kay
800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) Redfield Jamison, PhD. Oxford University Press, 1990.
www.nami.org A Mood Apart: Depression, Mania, and Other Afflictions of the
Self. Peter C. Whybrow, MD. Basic Books, 1997.
National Mental Health Association (NMHA) Mood Genes: Hunting for Origins of Mania and Depression.
● 300 chapters Samuel H. Barondes, MD. W.H. Freeman and Co, 1998
● For information: Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide. Kay Redfield Jamison,
National Mental Health Information Center PhD. Alfred A. Knopf, 1999.
1021 Prince St. Restoring Intimacy: the Patient’s Guide to Maintaining Relation-
Alexandria, VA 22314-2971 ships During Depression. NDMDA developed this book to
800-969-6642 cover difficult and real issues for people living with depression.
www.nmha.org NDMDA, 1999.
Structured Group Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder: the Life
National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc. (NFDI) Goals Program. M Bauer and L McBride. Springer, 1996.
PO Box 2257 Touched With Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic
New York, NY 10116-2257 Temperament. Kay Redfield Jamison. Simon & Schuster,
800-248-4344 1996.
When Someone You Love Is Depressed: How to Help Your
Madison Institute of Medicine Loved One Without Losing Yourself. Laura Epstein Rosen,
● Home of the Lithium Information Center and the Stanley Center PhD, and Xavier Francisco Amador, PhD. Simon & Schuster,
for the Innovative Treatment of Bipolar Disorder revised 1997.
● Distributes very useful consumer guides to mood stabilizers
7617 Mineral Point Rd., Suite 300 Outstanding books by people with bipolar disorder or
Madison, WI 53717 depression:
608-827-2470 The Beast: a Reckoning With Depression. Tracy Thompson.
www. healthtechsys.com/mim.html G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1995.
A Brilliant Madness: Living With Manic-Depressive Illness. Patty
Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Duke and Gloria Hockman. Bantam Books, 1992.
Disorder (STEP-BD) Call Me Anna: the Autobiography of Patty Duke. Patty Duke
● Project that is conducting studies involving 5,000 bipolar and Kenneth Turan. Bantam, 1987.
patients treated in different centers in the United States. The Darkness Visible, a Memoir of Madness. William Styron. Ran-
goal is to improve effectiveness of treatment for bipolar disorder. dom House, 1990.
If you are interested in participating, visit: On the Edge of Darkness: Conversations About Conquering
www.edc.gsph.pitt.edu/stepbd Depression. Kathy Cronkite. Doubleday, 1994.
An Unquiet Mind, a Memoir of Moods and Madness. Kay
FOR MORE INFORMATION Redfield Jamison, PhD. Random House, 1996.
Undercurrents: a Therapist’s Reckoning With Her Own Depres-
The NDMDA distributes free the booklet A Guide to Depressive sion. Martha Manning. Harper Collins, 1994.
and Manic-Depressive Illness: Diagnosis, Treatment and Support,
along with a NDMDA bookstore catalog and chapter directory. FOR MORE INFORMATION
The publications listed below also provide more information on
bipolar disorder. Most are available from the NDMDA bookstore. To request more copies of this handout, please contact
To order these materials, call 800-82-NDMDA. NDMDA or NAMI (see above).
The recommendations in this article were based on a recent
Medical information about bipolar disorder: survey of experts on the medication treatment of bipolar disorder
The Bipolar Child: the Definitive and Reassuring Guide to (published as A Postgraduate Medicine Special Report, April
Childhood’s Most Misunderstood Disorder. Demitri F. Pa- 2000). You can download an Adobe Acrobat file of this study and
polos and Janice Papolos. Broadway Books, 1999. this guide for patients and families at our website:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar Disorder. MR Basco
and AJ Rush. Guilford, 1996. www.psychguides.com
The Depression Workbook: a Guide for Living With Depression
and Manic Depression. Mary Ellen Copeland, MS. Ne-
wharbinger Publications, 1992. Authors’ Affiliations: Kahn and Printz: Columbia University;
th
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4 Ross: Ross Editorial; Sachs: Massachusetts General Hospital and
Edition (DSM-IV). American Psychiatric Association, 1994. Harvard Medical School.

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The Expert Consensus Guideline Series

Medication Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

David J. Printz, M.D.

David A. Kahn, M.D.

Daniel Carpenter, Ph.D.

John P. Docherty, M.D.

APRIL 2000 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • 1

The Expert Consensus Panel for Bipolar Disorder

Lori Altshuler, M.D. Mark Frye, M.D. Husseini Manji, M.D.

Claudia Baldassano, M.D. Alan J. Gelenberg, M.D. Lauren Marangell, M.D.

Ross J. Baldessarini, M.D. Michael Gitlin, M.D. Charles B. Nemeroff, M.D.

Mark S. Bauer, M.D. Robert N. Golden, M.D. Robert M. Post, M.D.

Charles L. Bowden, M.D. Paul J. Goodnick, M.D. S. Craig Risch, M.D.

Kathleen Brady, M.D. John H. Greist, M.D. Jerrold F. Rosenbaum, M.D.

Joseph R. Calabrese, M.D. Laszlo Gyulai, M.D. Peter Roy-Byrne, M.D.

William H. Coryell, M.D. James W. Jefferson, M.D. Andrew L. Stoll, M.D.

Lori Davis, M.D. Gabor Keitner, M.D. Michael E. Thase, M.D.

Steven L. Dubovsky, M.D. Donald F. Klein, M.D. John Zajecka, M.D.

Rif S. El-Mallakh, M.D. Justine Lalonde, M.D.

Dwight L. Evans, M.D. Robert H. Lenox, M.D.

2 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • APRIL 2000

Expert Consensus Panel..............................................................................................................................2

II. TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DEPRESSION

III. TREATMENT OF RAPID-CYCLING BIPOLAR DISORDER

IV. OTHER TREATMENT ISSUES

A GUIDE FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES ...........................................................................................97

APRIL 2000 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • 3

4 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • APRIL 2000

Introduction: Methods, Summary, and Commentary

ABSTRACT initial treatment of either depression or mania with rapid

APRIL 2000 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • 5

6 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • APRIL 2000

Figure 3. Results of the Euphoric Mania Section of Survey Question 1

95% CONFIDENCE INTERVALS Tr of 1st 2nd 3rd

Statistical differences between treatments. While we did

APRIL 2000 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • 7

8 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • APRIL 2000

APRIL 2000 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • 9

10 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • APRIL 2000

APRIL 2000 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • 11

12 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • APRIL 2000

APRIL 2000 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • 13

ACUTE TREATMENT OF MANIA

Li or Dvp Dvp Dvp or Li Dvp

Legend Dvp divalproex

* When adding second-line medications, the clinician may wish to discontinue 1 or

14 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • APRIL 2000

ACUTE TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DEPRESSION

Not rapid cycling, not psychotic,‡ Rapid cycling,

First episode of depression, Breakthrough episode Dvp

offer ECT if severe

APRIL 2000 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • 15

Guideline 1: Initial Strategy for First Manic Episode

Clinical presentation Preferred initial strategies Alternate strategies

16 • A POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SPECIAL REPORT • APRIL 2000

1B. Choice of Mood Stabilizer2

Clinical presentation Preferred mood stabilizers* Alternate mood stabilizer

Mania with psychosis Divalproex