Psychiatria pre prax 4/2006

DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT OF DEPRESSIVE EPISODE OF BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Bipolar affective disorder, which is not properly diagnosed and treated, has significant negative influence to the life of the patient. Highly important is to differentiate bipolar disorder from the periodic depressive disorder. The goal of the treatment is not only the treatment of single episodes, but the prophylaxis of next episodes. Prescribing of mood stabilisers is essential in the treatment of all phases of illness.

Keywords: bipolar affective disorder, mood stabiliser, antidepresants, atypical antipsychotics.