Issues and Controversies in the Diagnosis and Management of Bipolar Disorder: Focus on Challenges Treating Bipolar Depression

Start Date Thursday, June 18, 2009
End Date Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sponsor Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy
Contact Name Glenn Laudenslager
Phone 1 203-840-5446
E-mail glaudenslager@reedexpo.com
Website http://mghcme.org
Format Internet/Website
Price FREE
Register by date Thursday, June 18, 2009
Early Registration Price FREE
Specialties Psychiatry
Topic(s) Combination strategies and efficacy data for antidepressants, mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics
Objectives Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic, recurring illness characterized by episodes of depression alternating with periods of mania or hypomania. It is associated with significant impairments in global functioning, inter-episodic morbidity, decreased quality of life, and a substantially increased risk of suicide. The role of antidepressants in the treatment of BD is controversial. While some studies have suggested antidepressants in combination with mood stabilizers can benefit some bipolar patients, others have associated antidepressants with dysphoria or induction of mania, and recent data suggests that antidepressants neither help nor harm patients when added to mood stabilizers. Medication non-adherence is common among patients with BD. Studies have demonstrated that up to 60% of patients with BD are fully or partially non-adherent in the year after a manic or mixed episode. In order for clinicians to provide the best treatment for patients with BD, it is essential that they accurately diagnose the condition and understand the evidence, complexity, and controversy regarding pharmacologic treatment strategies. They must also appreciate the factors that worsen the long-term course of the illness, such as medication non-adherence and co-morbid medical and psychiatric conditions, and must understand the treatments, such as intensive psychotherapy, that may speed recovery and help sustain wellness.