A Trend of Drug Use in Inpatients with Bipolar Disorder: Comparing 2009-2012 with 1998-2001 in One University Hospital / 대한정신약물학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to monitor changes of prescription trends for bipolar disorder in inpatient settings in one university hospital. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed and data of 188 cases (2009-2012) and 118 cases (1998-2001) with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder were collected. Data on demographic variables, duration of hospitalization, kinds of psychotropic medications and the patterns of prescription over each four-year period were analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with manic episode was decreased, whereas those of mixed and depressive episodes were increased. The use of lithium was decreased with the increased use of valproate. Increased use of lamotrigine in depressive episode was prominent. The use of combination treatment with mood stabilizers and antipsychotics was almost same level in both periods. The use of typical antipsychotics was significantly decreased and that of atypical antipsychotics was increased. Especially, the use of quetiapine showed great increase. In bipolar depression, the use of antidepressant was increased. CONCLUSION: This study showed significant changes have occurred in the prescription patterns in patients with bipolar disorder in the last four years. These results seem to reflect the accumulating evidence-based data for the treatment of bipolar disorder, and will provide the useful information to clinicians in practical situations.