While we have become sensitized to worrying about weight gain caused by antipsychotics, this side effect does occur with standard mood stabilizers as well. Recently, a comprehensive literature review was published evaluating the weight gain liabilities of medications commonly used to treat bipolar disorder (Torrent et al., Acta Psychiatrica Scand 2008;118:4-18). Here is what they found.

Dr. Phelps, before we begin, I know that you have always been very up front about the fact that you speak for drug companies, and I wonder how you think this might influence what you have to say about the diagnosis of bipolar disorder?

Dr. Zimmerman, you recently published a paper in which you suggested that bipolar disorder is overdiagnosed in some populations. Can you describe that research?

Last year, we reviewed a meta-analysis implying that bupropion is as effective as SSRIs for the treatment of patients with mixed anxiety and depression (TCPR, Aug 2007). In a new paper, these same researchers have sliced and diced the data a bit differently in order to answer this topic more confidently.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is widely acknowledged to be the most well-researched, and possibly the most effective therapy option for a wide variety of disorders. The problem is that it is not widely available, particularly in the treatment of patients with substance abuse disorders.

After reading these articles, you should be able to…

Valproate originally saw the light of day in the German laboratory of Beverly Burton, in 1882. She was engaged in research on fatty acids, and synthesized a new one, called 2-propylvaleric acid.

You’ve probably heard about Fanapta (iloperidone), a new antipsychotic marketed by Vanda Pharmaceuticals. No, it hasn’t been approved officially yet, but it is likely to win approval in July, and the company has already been taking out teaser ads in the journals and has even sponsored a touring promotional CME program run by Stephen Stahl.

Here is some selective coverage of interesting recent developments in antipsychotic medications.

A non-profit agency called the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has released an analysis of the side effects of Chantix (varenicline), and the news is not good.