Pharmacotherapy of Bipolar Disorders

Numerous advances have been made in the pharmacotherapy of bipolar disorders in the last 5 to 10 years, to such an extent that it has become difficult for the physician to choose the most appropriate treatment according to the different parameters that must be considered. This is why it seemed necessary to us to try and give a synthetic overview of the growing amount of data to be able to respond to such questions as: Which mood stabilizer to choose and when should it be introduced ? Which therapeutic approach for a depressive episode, a manic episode or a rapid–cycling bipolar disorder?
Rather than presenting treatment algorithms, the authors present a synopsis of the literature and knowledge based on daily clinical practice. At the end of each chapter, the important concepts and recommendations are summarized as key points to remember.
The original French edition (published in 2004) was awarded a prize in Specialized Medicine at the 3rd International Festival of Medical Books, France. For this English edition, the text has been thoroughly revised and more than 500 new references have been added, reflecting the rapidly growing literature in the field.
This book will appeal to all psychiatrists, interns and residents in psychiatry, psychologists and mental health nurses. It will also be of interest to general practitioners and any other clinicians or healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients with bipolar disorder.

Spis treści:
Foreword.
Preface by N. Sartorius.
Chapter 1 Epidemiology of bipolar disorders.
Contribution of epidemiological studies to the diagnosis.
The definition of bipolar disorder (BD).
Demographic and social variables.
A few important historical epidemiological studies.
Other studies carried out in the general population.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 2 Classification of bipolar disorders.
Mania.
Hypomania.
Cyclothymia.
Hyperthymia and hyperthymic temperament.
Bipolar depression.
Depressive mixed states (DMX).
Mixed mania.
Bipolar I disorder.
Bipolar II disorder.
Bipolar III disorder (Pharmacological hypomania).
Bipolar IV disorder.
Rapid cycling.
Minor bipolar disorders.
Some open questions.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 3 How to define a mood stabilizer.
The definitions of a mood stabilizer.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 4 Lithium.
History.
Mode of action.
Clinical studies.
Principal indications.
Pharmacokinetic and metabolism.
Interactions.
Medications that can be administered with lithium.
Side effects.
Practical aspects.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 5 Carbamazepine.
History.
Mode of action.
Clinical studies.
Principal indications.
Pharmacokinetic and metabolism.
Interactions.
Side effects.
Practical aspects.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 6 Lamotrigine.
History.
Mode of action.
Clinical studies.
Principal indications.
Pharmacokinetic and metabolism.
Interactions.
Side effects.
Practical aspects.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 7 Topiramate.
History.
Mode of action.
Clinical studies.
Pharmacokinetic and metabolism.
Interactions.
Side effects.
Practical aspects.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 8 Valproic acid.
History.
Mode of action.
Clinical studies.
Principal indications.
Pharmacokinetic and metabolism.
Interactions.
Side effects.
Practical aspects.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 9 The role of atypical or second generation antipsychotics.
What is an atypical antipsychotic?
For the pharmacologist.
For the clinician.
Side effects.
Effects on memorization processes.
Interactions.
Antipsychotics and bipolar disorder.
Atypical or second generation antipsychotics and the treatment of man ia.
Atypical or second generation antipsychotics and the treatment of depression.
Atypical or second generation antipsychotics and maintenance treatment.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 10 Other medications used for bipolar disorders.
Gabapentin.
Oxcarbazepine.
Calcium channel blockers.
Omega–3 fatty acids.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 11 Medications that may potentially induce a depressive state.
References.
Chapter 12 Medications that may potentially induce a (hypo)manic syndrome.
References.
Chapter 13 Maintenance treatment: when should be a long term treatment introduced.
Initiating treatment during a manic or mixed episode.
Initiating treatment during a depressive episode.
Initiating treatment during an euthymic period.
Choosing a maintenance treatment.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 14 Treatment of the depressive phases of bipolar disorders.
Antidepressants.
Risk of manic switch.
Duration of antidepressant treatment.
Antidepressant discontinuation syndromes.
Mood stabilizers.
Antipsychotics.
Depression in the absence of a mood stabilizer.
Depressive relapse despite a mood stabilizing treatment.
Depressive relapse despite a combined treatment.
Resistant depression.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 15 Treatment of Bipolar II disorder.
Treatment of bipolar II depression.
Treatment of hypomania.
Long–term treatment.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 16 Treatment of manic phases.
Different sub–types of mania.
Treatment of hypomania.
Treatment of euphoric mania.
Treatment of dysphoric mania.
Treatment of mania with psychotic symptoms.
Treatment of mania in patients with rapid cycling.
Other psychotropic drugs in evaluation for the treatment of mania.
Other treatments.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 17 Treatment of rapid cycling .
Lithium.
Valproate.
Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine.
Lamotrigine.
Other anticonvulsants.
Clozapine and other atypical antipsychotics.
Thyroid hormones.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 18 Treatment of mixed states.
Lithium.
Valproate.
Carbamazepine.
Other anticonvulsants.
Antidepressants.
Antipsychotics.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 19 Combination treatments.
Combination treatments for mania.
Combination treatments for depression.
Combination treatments for relapse prevention.
Treatment combinations and side effects.
Treatment combinations and interactions.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 20 Bipolar disorders, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pregnancy and the risk of relapse.
Risk of relapse during the postpartum period.
Psychotropic medication and the risks for the fetus.
Key points.
Breastfeeding.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 21 Bipolar disorders in children and adolescents.
Clinical characteristics and differential diagnosis.
Pharmacological treatments.
Lithium.
Valproate.
Carbamazepine.
Other treatments.
Juvenile bipolar disorder and relapse prevention treatment.
Key points.
References.
Chapter 22 Bipolar disorders in geriatric patients.
Epidemiology.
Clinical presentation and diagnosis.
Secondary mania and comorbidity with certain neurological disorders.
Disinhibition syndromes.
Bipolar III disorder.
Pharmacological treatments.
Key points.
References.
Appendix.
1. Diagnostic criteria ICM 10.
2. Diagnostic criteria DSM IV.
3. FDA approved medications for the treatment of bipolar disorders.
4. Major guidelines for bipolar disorders.
5. Trade names of selected drugs used in bipolar disorders.
List of abbreviations.
Index.

Nota biograficzna:
Jean–Michel Aubry is a psychiatrist and psychotherapi