Abstract:

To determine the efficacy and safety of quetiapine and aripiprazole in the treatment of bipolar depression. MethodsA total of 80 patients with CCMD3 bipolar disorder experiencing a depressive episode were assigned to two groups treated with quetiapine (n=40) or aripiprazole (n=40) for 8 weeks. Measures included MontgomeryAsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS),Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results After 8 weeks′ of treatment, the total score of MADRS was significantly reduced in both groups (P＜0.001). The expulsive rate of the quetiapine group and the aripiprazole group was 12.5% and 15.0%, respectively. The adverse effective rate of the two groups was 22.5% and 35.0%. The total score of PSQI was significantly reduced in both groups after the treatment of 8 weeks (P＜0.01). ConclusionQuetiapine and aripiprazole are efficient in the treatment of bipolar depression.

Key words:  Bipolar disorder； Depressive episode； Quetiapine； Aripiprazole