Under what circumstances should Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Disorder) be treated with anything other than mood-stabilizing medications?
Lithium and anticonvulsants (and sometimes antipsychotics) are typically the treatment of choice for treating patients with Bipolar Disorder. Is it ever appropriate to use antidepressants in treating a Bipolar patient? Is Electroconvulsive Treatment (ECT), or other alternative modalities, ever preferred for a patient with this diagnosis? Is psychotherapy alone effective or ethical?