The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 274 No 7352 p670
4 June 2005

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SIGN issues guidance on bipolar affective disorder

Lithium should be used as the maintenance treatment of choice after a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder, according to guidance published by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network this week.

SIGN also recommends that patients with acute manic symptoms should be treated with an antipsychotic drug or semisodium valproate. Benzodiazepines are recommended as adjunctive treatment where sedation is a priority.

Short-term use of antidepressants can be valuable for symptoms of depression but treatment should be reduced and discontinued during an acute manic episode.

The guidance can be accessed here