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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Heinz Grunze
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Antidepressants constitute a central cornerstone in the treatment of depressive syndromes. In bipolar patients, however, there is an ongoing controversy about their usefulness for at least 3 decades. Early reports, mainly concerning trcyclic antidepressants, have repeatedly pointed toward unfavorable side effects on the course of the disorder, namely switching into (hypo)mania, induction of rapid cycling, and increased risk of suicide. Most evidence for both unfavorable and favorable effects has been deducted, thus far, from small studies with methodological flaws. More substantiated evidence only recently became available. From this it appears that, at least, the switch risk, and perhaps also the risk for rapid cycling and new-onset suicidality have been overinterpreted. At the same time, these new data raise doubt about the efficacy of antidepressants as a primary-treatment choice in bipolar depression.
Author(s): Grunze HCR
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: CNS Spectrums
Year: 2008
Volume: 13
Issue: 9
Pages: 790-795
ISSN (print): 1092-8529
ISSN (electronic):
PubMed id: 18849898
