As outlined on the slide, there is some conflicting evidence regarding the use of antipsychotics in the acute treatment of bipolar depression.1,2 However, their use in patients with bipolar mania is broadly supported, and antipsychotics are included in many treatment guidelines for the treatment of manic symptoms.3
References:
1. Bahji A, Ermacora D, Stephenson C, et al. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive pharmacotherapies for acute bipolar depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Can J Psychiatry 2021; 66 (3): 274–288.
2. Yildiz A, Siafis S, Mavridis D, et al. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological interventions for acute bipolar depression in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10 (9): 693–705.
3. Nierenberg AA, Agustini B, Köhler-Forsberg O, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder: a review. JAMA 2023; 330 (14): 1370–1380.