DEPOT ANTIPSYCHOTICS IN BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE-DISORDER

The effect of prophylactic treatment with depot antipsychotic drugs wa s examined in 16 patients with bipolar affective disorder. The frequen cy and duration of illness episodes occurring during depot treatment w as compared to that which occurred when these patients were treated wi th other agents over a corresponding time period. Treatment with depot antipsychotics was associated with a significant decrease in the freq uency and duration of manic episodes, but not depressive episodes. Thu s prophylactic treatment with depot antipsychotic drugs is likely to b e of benefit in patients with bipolar illness who experience frequent manic episodes despite treatment with lithium and/or carbamazepine.