Aripiprazole in the acute and maintenance phase of bipolar I disorder

ripiprazole in the acute and maintenance phase of bipolar I disorder Review (3450) Total Article Views Authors: Zupancic M, Gonzalez ML Published Date January 2012 Volume 2012:8 Pages 1 - 6 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S22579 Received: 17 November 2011 Accepted: 30 November 2011 Published: 12 January 2012 Melanie Zupancic1, Misty L Gonzalez2,3 1Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 2Division of Medicine Psychiatry, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 3Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Springfield, IL, USA Abstract: Bipolar affective disorder is a disabling illness with substantial morbidity and many management challenges. Traditional mood stabilizers such as lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine are often inadequate in controlling symptoms both during the acute and maintenance phase of treatment. Aripiprazole is a second-generation antipsychotic with a unique mechanism of action. Evidence suggests that it is effective in acute manic and mixed states. There are limited data to suggest its efficacy as a maintenance agent. Future studies will be needed to better define the role of aripiprazole relative to other traditional pharmacologic agents.