Depot antipsychotics in the prophylaxis of bipolar affective disorder.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The efficacy of depot antipsychotic drugs in the prophylaxis of bipolar affective disorder was investigated.

METHOD:

Life charts were constructed for 18 outpatients with bipolar disorder receiving prophylactic treatment with depot medication. The durations of affective episodes were compared during periods on or off medication.

RESULTS:

The subjects suffered fewer relapses and spent significantly less time in hospital (P = 0.001) for treatment of manic, depressive and mixed affective illness during treatment with depot antipsychotics.

CONCLUSIONS:

Depot antipsychotic medication may be a useful prophylactic treatment for certain patients with bipolar affective disorder.

• Authors: R Littlejohn, F Leslie, J Cookson
• Journal: The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science (Br J Psychiatry) Vol. 165 Issue 6 Pg. 827-9 (Dec 1994) ISSN: 0007-1250 [Print] England
• PMID: 7881787 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Ambulatory Care
• Antipsychotic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Bipolar Disorder (diagnosis, drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome