Black Dog Books
Black Dog Books

The Institute has published a number of books for consumers and health professionals.

'Bipolar depression' is the term used to describe depression in those with a bipolar disorder. For most people the depression is of a melancholic or psychotic sub-type.

Key points about treatments for bipolar depression

  • Depression in people who suffer from bipolar disorder can either be a sign of either poor treatment compliance, or inappropriate treatment.
  • The first steps usually are to re-establish adequate blood levels of mood stabiliser and initiate antidepressant treatment.
  • The difficulty in treating bipolar depression is the tendency of some patients to switch to mania. Once the depressed episode has been under control for a month or two, the antidepressant is usually gradually withdrawn, leaving the patient on the mood stabiliser alone.

If you have bipolar depression it's best to consult your treating doctor (either psychiatrist or General Practitioner). It may be a sign that your diagnosis needs reassessment or that your medication needs revision.