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Depot Antipsychotics in the Prophylaxis of Bipolar Affective Disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

R. Littlejohn
Affiliation:
Academic Unit of Human Psychopharmacology, Royal London Hospital, London
F. Leslie
Affiliation:
Academic Unit of Human Psychopharmacology, Royal London Hospital, London
J. Cookson*
Affiliation:
Academic Unit of Human Psychopharmacology, Royal London Hospital, London
*
Dr J. Cookson, Academic Unit of Human Psychopharmacology, Royal London Hospital, St. Clement's, 2A Bow Road, London E3 4LL

Abstract

Background

The efficacy of depot antipsychotic drugs in the prophylaxis of bipolar affective disorder was investigated.

Method

Life charts were constructed for 18 outpatients with bipolar disorder receiving prophylactic treatment with depot medication. The durations of affective episodes were compared during periods on or off medication.

Results

The subjects suffered fewer relapses and spent significantly less time in hospital (P = 0.001) for treatment of manic, depressive and mixed affective illness during treatment with depot antipsychotics.

Conclusions

Depot antipsychotic medication may be a useful prophylactic treatment for certain patients with bipolar affective disorder.

British Journal of Psychiatry (1994), 165, 827–829

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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