Definition:
Bipolar IV Disorder - BP IV for short - is major depression with mania or hypomania caused by taking antidepressants. Experts do not agree whether antidepressant-induced mania / hypomania is purely an effect of the medication, or if the drug unmasks an underlying bipolar condition.(CANMAT) A 1994 study found that "Across virtually every clinical measure examined, the patients with antidepressant-associated manic states experienced milder and more time-limited manic episodes than the patients with spontaneous mania." (Stoll, et al) These results support having a separate diagnosis under the heading of bipolar IV. However, bipolar IV is not "official," as it does not appear in the DSM-IV.
References:
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT), "A Summary of Clinical Issues and Treatment Options." 1997. Internet Mental Health. 28 Sep 2007
Stoll, A.L., Mayer, P.V., et al . "Antidepressant-associated mania: a controlled comparison with spontaneous mania." Am J Psychiatry 151(11)Nov 1994 1642-5. Biopsychiatry.com. 06 Oct 2006
Bipolar IV Disorder - BP IV for short - is major depression with mania or hypomania caused by taking antidepressants. Experts do not agree whether antidepressant-induced mania / hypomania is purely an effect of the medication, or if the drug unmasks an underlying bipolar condition.(CANMAT) A 1994 study found that "Across virtually every clinical measure examined, the patients with antidepressant-associated manic states experienced milder and more time-limited manic episodes than the patients with spontaneous mania." (Stoll, et al) These results support having a separate diagnosis under the heading of bipolar IV. However, bipolar IV is not "official," as it does not appear in the DSM-IV.
References:
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT), "A Summary of Clinical Issues and Treatment Options." 1997. Internet Mental Health. 28 Sep 2007
Stoll, A.L., Mayer, P.V., et al . "Antidepressant-associated mania: a controlled comparison with spontaneous mania." Am J Psychiatry 151(11)Nov 1994 1642-5. Biopsychiatry.com. 06 Oct 2006
