Aripiprazole for the Treatment of Adult Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterised by exacerbations of opposite mood polarity, ranging from manic to major depressive episodes. Treatment of all phases of this disorder is primarily with mood stabilisers. Aripiprazole is a novel antipsychotic initially approved for the treatment of schizophrenia but soon found to be effective in bipolar disorder. This drug is well studied, as randomised controlled trials have been conducted in various phases of bipolar disorders. Aripiprazole exhibits the pharmacodynamic properties of partial agonism, functional selectivity and serotonin-dopamine activity modulation.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020