부산대학교 도서관

To authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.2009.01471.x Byline: I. Pacchiarotti (1,2), L. Mazzarini (1,2), F. Colom (1), J. Sanchez-Moreno (1), P. Girardi (2), G. D. Kotzalidis (2), E. Vieta (1) Keywords: bipolar disorder; treatment-resistant; bipolar depression; evidence-based guidelines Abstract: Objective: To summarize the conceptual and operational definitions of treatment-resistant bipolar depression and to review the evidence-based therapeutic options. Method: Structured searches of PubMed, Index Medicus, Excerpta Medica and Psyclit conducted in December 2008. Results: Criteria for treatment resistance in bipolar depression are commonly based on concepts stemming from treatment resistance as defined for unipolar depression, an approach that proved to be inadequate. In fact, the addition of an ad hoc criterion based on lithium and other mood stabilizer unresponsiveness after reaching adequate plasma levels appears to be a patch that attempts to take into account the uniqueness of bipolar depression but fails to become operational. Recent data from randomized clinical trials of new anticonvulsants and second-generation antipsychotics should lead to the development of a modern definition of treatment-resistant bipolar depression, and specific therapeutic algorithms. Conclusion: We suggest a redefinition of resistant bipolar I and II depression. We propose different degrees of severity within bipolar depression in a stepwise manner. Author Affiliation: (1)Bipolar Disorders Programme, Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain (2)Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Sant'Andrea Hospital, 2nd Medical School, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy Article History: Accepted for publication July 17, 2009 Article note: Eduard Vieta, Director Bipolar Disorders Program, Clinical Institute of Neuroscience, University Clinic Hospital of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036-Barcelona, Spain., E-mail: evieta@clinic.ub.es