Effective agents in treating bipolar depression.

Individuals with bipolar disorder may spend about half of their time euthymic, but recurring mood episodes are common and are predominated by depressive symptoms. Despite the prevalence of depression in bipolar disorder, evidence suggests that antidepressants are not likely to benefit most patients. Lithium has long been the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder, but it is not the most effective agent for treating bipolar depression. This activity reviews multiple pharmacologic options that should be considered by clinicians treating bipolar disorder.