Characteristics of bipolar disorder patients given antidepressants.

Evidence concerning efficacy of antidepressants in bipolar disorder remains inconsistent and inconclusive. As the appropriate clinical use for such patients remains unclear, we characterized outpatients with bipolar disorders who were or were not treated with antidepressants. Clinical data were collected systematically from consecutive outpatients in 11 participating Argentine mood-disorder clinics in 2007-2008.

Sensitivity and specificity of the mood disorder questionnaire and the bipolar spectrum diagnostic scale in Argentinean patients with mood disorders.

Objective: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of two self-report instruments for detection of bipolarity in a sample of Argentinean patients.

Method: Spanish versions of the MDQ and the BSDS were administered over four months at 11 sites in Argentina. Diagnoses were made using DSM-IV criteria and the MINI.