Lithium for bipolar disorder: a review of the recent literature.

Lithium is a commonly prescribed treatment for bipolar disorder. Many early studies on which its use has been historically based no longer meet current research standards. A large number of studies with more modern designs have been recently published warranting a review.

Mixed state discrimination: a DSM problem that won׳t go away?

Background: DSM׳s replacement of 'mixed episodes' with 'mixed features' has ironically created a specifier, which potentially lacks specificity because it overlooks two key symptoms: psychomotor agitation and distractibility. Therefore, the present study examined the presence of psychomotor agitation and distractibility across the mood disorder spectrum.

Methods: Two hundred patients were diagnosed and assigned to one of three groups (depression, bipolar spectrum disorder (BDspectrum) and bipolar disorder) based on clinical evaluation by a psychiatrist.

Is coping well a matter of personality? A study of euthymic unipolar and bipolar patients.

Background: Euthymic bipolar disorder (BD) patients often demonstrate better clinical outcomes than remitted patients with unipolar illness (UP). Reasons for this are uncertain, however, personality and coping styles are each likely to play a key role. This study examined differences between euthymic BD and UP patients with respect to the inter-relationship between personality, coping style, and clinical outcomes.

Staff experience, knowledge and attitudes regarding the management of adolescent patients in adult mental health units.

Objective: Inpatient psychiatric care of adolescents should, where possible, be provided in specialized units. However, admission of adolescent patients to adult mental health units does occur. There is a paucity of data about this practice.