1. Comorbidity and Its Clinical Relevance for Bipolar Spectrum Disorders

Giovanni B. Cassano, M.D.
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Slide Presentation

Abstract

The spectrum of manic-depressive conditions is mostly complicated by the presence of concomitant disorders which influence treatment outcome. The presence of anxiety disorders, eating disorders and other disorders is the rule more than the exception in patients with subthreshold bipolar symptoms, as well as in subjects suffering from bipolar I or II disorder or one of the various subtypes of mixed states.

Moreover, subthreshold manifestations of OCD, PD, social phobia or eating disorder can equally influence evolution and treatment response of bipolar disorders. Mainly, the course of bipolar disorders may be complicated by the onset of full-blown OCD and/or panic disorder which are often triggered by drug treatments for depression and/or mania.

In many cases, lifelong and cross-sectional primary bipolar features may appear in a composite mosaic of different threshold subthreshold psychopathology requiring well-targeted therapeutic approaches and complex management. On the other hand, subthreshold bipolar symptomatology comorbid with PD, OCD, social phobia, or eating disorders may explain the sudden onset of full-blown manic or mixed episodes triggered by antidepressant treatment prescribed for primary anxiety or eating disorder.

2. The Lithium Ion:  A Foundation for Psychopharmacological Specificity

Jair C. Soares, M.D.
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Samuel Gershon, M.D.
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Slide Presentation

3. Agitated Depression

Athanasio Koukopoulos, M.D.
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Slide Presentation

4. Differentiating among Multiple Treatment Opportunities for Bipolar Depression

William Z. Potter, M.D., Ph.D.
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