Pharmacologic Treatment of Mixed States

Abstract

Despite the relatively high prevalence of mixed symptoms and features among patients with mood disorders, the current literature supporting the specific efficacy of second-generation antipsychotics and mood stabilizers for the treatment of mixed symptoms is limited. Several studies have demonstrated that acute affective episodes with mixed symptoms or features tend to respond unsatisfactory to treatments that are usually more effective for the management of other affective phases. There is clearly a need for clinical trials in order to determine the more adequate pharmacologic option for the treatment of individuals suffering from affective episodes with mixed features.

Keywords: Lithium; Mixed depression; Mixed features; Mood stabilizers; Pharmacologic treatment; Second-generation antipsychotics.