The use of antidepressants in bipolar disorder (BD) remains a controversial topic despite their widespread use. They are often recommended in treatment guidelines, but there is limited and inconsistent evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety, particularly in the treatment and prevention of bipolar 1 depression. This has led to ongoing debates about their role in managing BD, particularly in light of potential risks associated with their use.

This review examines the available clinical and meta-analytical evidence on the efficacy and safety of antidepressants in treating both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders. The authors emphasize the need for clinicians to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of antidepressant treatment for patients with BD. Patient characteristics and specific treatment scenarios should be taken into account, as they can influence the outcomes of antidepressant therapy in bipolar disorder.

Reference: Mansur RB. Antidepressants in Bipolar Depression: Still Controversial After All These Years. Psychiatric Annals. 2023;53(2):63-67. doi:10.3928/00485713-20230119-02