Psychiatria pre prax 5/2009
Bipolar affective disorder II
The article provides clear information on bipolar affective disorder II and its relation to bipolar disorder I and unipolar depression. If the less strict criteria are accepted than those demanded by current classifications the prevalence of bipolar affective disorder II is significantly ascending. The differentiation of this disorder from unipolar depression is difficult and lengthy (course characteristics, response to mood-stabilizers), however is needed in the context of treatment strategies. The article provides current opinions to these issues, which are intensively studied in the fields of etiopathogenesis, diagnostics and therapy.
Keywords: bipolar affective disorder II, maintenance treatment, indicators of bipolarity
