Sn. Ghaemi et al., ACUTE TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DISORDER WITH ADJUNCTIVE RISPERIDONE IN OUTPATIENTS, Canadian journal of psychiatry, 42(2), 1997, pp. 196-199
Objective: To test the hypothesis that, although typical neuroleptics
are commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, newer atypical
antipsychotic agents, like risperidone, may be more effective and bet
ter-tolerated. Method: The effectiveness of risperidone was evaluated
in 14 outpatients with bipolar disorder, type I, who received risperid
one for 6.4 +/- 2.7 weeks at 2.75 +/- 1.8 mg/day. Results: Nine (64%)
patients were much improved based on Clinical Global Impression (CGI)
scores, and mean Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores improve
d from 48.2 +/- 4.9 to 58.8 +/- 7.3 (t = 4.49, P = 0.0006, paired t te
st). Treatment was well tolerated and no patient experienced worsening
of mood symptoms while receiving risperidone. Conclusion: This open s
eries suggests risperidone is beneficial in the treatment of outpatien
ts with bipolar disorder.