Add-On Therapy of Quetiapine for Bipolar Disorder: A 6 Month, Prospective Trial / 대한정신약물학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the overall effectiveness and tolerability of adjunctive quetiapine in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder as a continuation therapy. METHODS: Twenty-three bipolar I patients participated and required to have quetiapine add-on treatment in combination with existing or new mood stabilizers. Clinical assessment was carried out using Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 item, Simpson-Angus Rating Scale and Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale at baseline, 1, 4, 12 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: The YMRS and CGI decreased significantly from baseline to endpoint by 89.7% and 78.3%, respectively (p<0.0001 ; p<0.0001). Twenty-two patients exhibited at least 50% improvement on YMRS score by the end of the study. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that quetiapine may hold a promise as an adjunct in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder.