Atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of mood disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the use and the usefulness of atypical antipsychotics in patients with affective symptomatology. Recent literature has been reviewed to show the potential use and usefulness of the atypical medications in patients suffering from depression or mania.

RECENT FINDINGS: The use of amisulpride, aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone in depression (both bipolar I and II) as well as in manic states has been evaluated. Preference was given to well designed randomized clinical trials. The effectiveness of the atypical antipsychotics in manic states has been shown. It is suggested that when an antipsychotic agent is needed, preference should be given to an atypical antipsychotic over the classic drug.

SUMMARY: The potential benefit from the use of atypical antipsychotics in both depression and mania seems to be clinically justified.