Quetiapine: a new option in bipolar depression

Bipolar disorder is a condition characterised by periods of depression, mania or depressive and manic symptoms appearing together. Depression is the predominant symptom and is often responsible for poor quality of life. The condition is treatable, but poor compliance is a major problem. Pharmacological treatments include lithium (although it has poor efficacy in depression), valproate and olanzapine (which can cause metabolic syndrome). In this article, Dr Palazidou considers quetiapine, a second-generation antipsychotic agent, for the treatment of bipolar depression and mania, as well as mixed affective states in bipolar I disorder. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.