Real-World Treatment Patterns in Bipolar Disorder

A large retrospective claims analysis found that real-world treatment practices for bipolar I disorder (BP-1) may often diverge from evidence-based guidelines, with antidepressants and benzodiazepines frequently prescribed despite guidelines advising against their use as first-line therapy.

The Hypothesized Role of Dopamine in Bipolar I Disorder

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter thought to play a key role in mood regulation. Test your understanding of how dopamine signaling may be associated with symptoms of bipolar disorder (BP-1) and ways it can potentially be modulated in the pharmacologic management of BP-1.

Mood Screening in Bipolar I Disorder Podcast

In this peer insights podcast, Dr McIntosh and Dr Mattingly explore the topic of mood screening in bipolar I disorder and how measurement-based care tools such as the Rapid Mood Screener (RMS) can help identify patients who may have bipolar I disorder.

Effect of Antidepressant Switching vs Augmentation on Remission Among Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Unresponsive to Antidepressant Treatment: The VAST-D Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized clinical trial investigated the relative effectiveness and safety of three common treatment approaches for major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients who did not adequately respond to their initial antidepressant treatment. The study aimed to assess the effects of three next-step treatment strategies, including switching to a norepinephrine/dopamine-reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), augmenting with an NDRI, or augmenting with an atypical antipsychotic.

Treatment Persistence: The Importance of Staying the Course Podcast

Andrew Cutler, MD, and Greg Mattingly, MD, highlight the importance of treatment persistence and its impact on patient outcomes, and strategies clinicians can implement to help support patients in staying committed to their mental health treatment plans.  

Persistence: The Importance of Staying the Course

Persistence on medication can be important to help achieve positive outcomes for patients with mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BP). This clinical guide highlights key factors that may contribute to treatment discontinuation and provides practical strategies healthcare providers can use to support patients in adhering to their medications.