Pharmacotherapy of suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder

Arch Suicide Res. 2005;9(3):237-50. doi: 10.1080/13811110590929424.

Abstract

Patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD) are at particularly high risk for both attempted and completed suicides. The period of highest risk for completed suicide is during the 2 years following discharge from a hospitalization. To date, pharmacological studies of suicidal behavior in BD have been quite limited. While strong evidence has been found regarding the anti-suicidal effects of lithium, evidence for such properties in other commonly prescribed medications for BD, including anticonvulsants, SSRIs and anti-psychotics, has been largely unexplored. Considering the high risk of suicidal acts in patients with BD, further research on the pharmacotherapy of suicidal behavior is crucial.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bipolar Disorder / complications*
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Suicide Prevention*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors