In the last decade, a proliferation of research has emerged concerning
the use of somatic treatments with anticonvulsant properties, e.g.,
carbamazepine, valproate, clonazepam, oxcarbazepine, and electroconvulsive
therapy (ECT), for patients with bipolar disorder. A sufficient number of
controlled studies have been conducted to allow critical review of the
evidence supporting the efficacy of these treatments for acute bipolar
manic and depressive episodes, as well as for the prevention of subsequent
episodes. Further research is needed to establish the prophylactic efficacy
of anticonvulsants as maintenance therapies and, perhaps most importantly,
to provide clinical and biological predictors of response.
Abstract Teaser