Sleeping disorder pill examined for use to combat bipolar depression
A preliminary study of 85 patients with bipolar disorder shows that a drug used to treat patients with sleep disorders, according to an article in Science Daily, might also control the depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
At least 44 percent of the participants in the study reported improved symptoms, a noteworthy improvement for a disorder in which new treatments are needed, according to the study's author, Mark Frye, M.D., director of the Mayo Clinic Mood Disorders Clinic and Research Program.
The study appears in the August 2007 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.
"There are very few treatments for the depressive phase of bipolar disorder and as a result there is an urgent need to evaluate potential new therapeutics," says Dr. Frye. "Mood stabilizers in general are better at treating mania than depression, but the depressive phase of the illness is far more common. We really need continued research in this area."
Links to other articles: Associated Content; DG News
At least 44 percent of the participants in the study reported improved symptoms, a noteworthy improvement for a disorder in which new treatments are needed, according to the study's author, Mark Frye, M.D., director of the Mayo Clinic Mood Disorders Clinic and Research Program.
The study appears in the August 2007 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.
"There are very few treatments for the depressive phase of bipolar disorder and as a result there is an urgent need to evaluate potential new therapeutics," says Dr. Frye. "Mood stabilizers in general are better at treating mania than depression, but the depressive phase of the illness is far more common. We really need continued research in this area."
Links to other articles: Associated Content; DG News
posted by jayson blair at 9:36 AM
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