Open-label aripiprazole in the treatment of acute bipolar depression: a prospective pilot trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Increasing evidence indicates that some second-generation antipsychotics are efficacious in bipolar depression, but there are few data on this illness for the novel agent aripiprazole.

METHODS:

Aripiprazole response was prospectively assessed for 8 weeks with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Clinical Global Impression Scale Modified for Bipolar Illness (CGI-BP), and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) in 31 bipolar patients with acute depression inadequately responsive to 1 mood stabilizer. Side effects and body weight were also evaluated. Outcome measures were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVAs.

RESULTS:

Patients showed a significant decrease in mean MADRS total and CGI-BP-Depression Severity scores, but only 14 (45%) completed the 8-week trial. Thirteen (42%) patients met criteria for response (> or =50% reduction in MADRS total score), 11 (35%) patients met criteria for remission (final MADRS total score < or =12), and 9 (29%) patients discontinued aripiprazole for side effects, most commonly akathisia (N=4). As a group, patients showed statistically insignificant weight gain (0.8+/-2.5 kg) over the 8-week trial.

CONCLUSION:

Aripiprazole was associated with beneficial effects on mood in some patients with bipolar depression, but also had a high discontinuation rate, primarily due to side effects. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are necessary to determine aripiprazole's efficacy, tolerability, and safety in bipolar depression.

• Authors: Susan L McElroy, Trisha Suppes, Mark A Frye, Lori L Altshuler, Kevin Stanford, Brian Martens, Gabriele S Leverich, Robert M Post, Paul E Keck Jr
• Journal: Journal of affective disorders (J Affect Disord) Vol. 101 Issue 1-3 Pg. 275-81 (Aug 2007) ISSN: 0165-0327 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 17229469 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Antimanic Agents
• Antipsychotic Agents
• Piperazines
• Quinolones
• Aripiprazole

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Adult
• Akathisia, Drug-Induced (diagnosis)
• Anticonvulsants (therapeutic use)
• Antimanic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antipsychotic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Aripiprazole
• Bipolar Disorder (diagnosis, drug therapy, psychology)
• Body Weight (drug effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Dropouts
• Pilot Projects
• Piperazines (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Quinolones (adverse effects, therapeutic use)