New Developments in the Use of Atypical Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: a Systematic Review of Recent Randomized Controlled Trials

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAtypical antipsychotics are increasingly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder (BD). This systematic review provides an overview of recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy and safety of atypical antipsychotics in BD.Recent FindingsSeveral studies supported efficacy of quetiapine monotherapy in acute bipolar I (BDI) and bipolar II (BDII) depression. Moreover, quetiapine adjunctive therapy showed superior efficacy to placebo in treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Cariprazine 1.5  mg was effective in treating bipolar I depression. Aripiprazole 400 mg IM once monthly was effective in preventing manic episodes with minimal metabolic effects. In youth with BD, lurasidone was effective and well-tolerated for acute depression while asenapine showed efficacy in treating acute ma nic and mixed episodes.SummaryRecently published RCTs generally support the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics in different phases of BD. Future studies should focus on understudied populations including pediatric BD and geriatric BD and BDII, as well as a focus on cognitive functioning and quality of life measures.
Source: Current Psychiatry Reports - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research