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STEP-BD and bipolar depression: What have we learned?

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Abstract

This article summarizes recent findings from the STEP-BD project pertaining to bipolar depression treatment. Highlighted are four papers that report, in turn, a large, randomized controlled trial of adjunctive antidepressants; a large, randomized controlled trial of adjunctive psychosocial therapies (cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal social rhythms therapy, and family-focused therapy); a small, randomized controlled trial contrasting lamotrigine, risperidone, and inositol as add-on therapies for refractory bipolar depression; and a naturalistic study of the risks of relapse during preventive therapy. The STEP-BD results highlight the challenge of treating bipolar depression to remission, illustrate the value of adjunctive psychotherapies, and point to new directions for research.

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  1. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3535 Market Street, Suite 670, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Michael E. Thase

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  1. Michael E. Thase
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Correspondence to Michael E. Thase.

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Thase, M.E. STEP-BD and bipolar depression: What have we learned?. Curr Psychiatry Rep 9, 497–503 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-007-0068-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-007-0068-9

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