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Stimulants for Treating Bipolar Disorder: Pro and Con

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Heinz Grunze

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Abstract

The role of stimulants for treating severe depression remains controversial, especially when it comes to bipolar depression. Potential benefits have to be weighed against risks, including addictive potential and treatment-emergent mania. But not all stimulants are the same. Modafinil and its R-enantiomer armodafinil seem to have positive augmentation effects when coupled with standard treatment of bipolar depression, while also having a relative low risk of addiction and manic switches. A recent hypothesis derived from the observation of hypovigilance in manic patients postulates that modafinil may also have a beneficial effect in reducing manic behaviors. Further controlled studies are needed to clarify the benefits and risks of stimulants, both in bipolar depression and mania.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Grunze H

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Harvard Review of Psychiatry

Year: 2014

Volume: 22

Issue: 6

Pages: 358-362

Print publication date: 01/11/2014

Acceptance date: 23/04/2013

ISSN (print): 1067-3229

ISSN (electronic): 1465-7309

Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000003

DOI: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000003

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