Atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of mood disorders

Purpose of review There is an emerging body of data and clinical experience on the use of atypical antipsychotics in disorders other than schizophrenia, and particularly in the field of mood disorders. The present review addresses the most recent data on the efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of mania, depression and other mood syndromes. Recent findings Recent trials support the efficacy and the safety of most atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of acute mania. Several trials suggest that atypical antipsychotics are as effective as typical antipsychotics, but that they are safer and more efficacious than mood stabilizer monotherapy in the treatment of mania. Recent data also support the use of adjunctive olanzapine in both bipolar and unipolar depression, and there is a suggestion that some atypical antipsychotics may possess mood stabilizing effects. Summary The atypical antipsychotic agents are useful medications for the treatment of mood disorders. There is clear evidence for their efficacy in mania, and data are emerging that suggest that they may also be useful in augmentation treatment of several forms of depression, and even perhaps as prophylaxis.