Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

04:29
Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression
Published on: January 7, 2019
31.9K
Algorithm for the treatment of mood disorders in Japan
T Higuchi1, Y Fujiwara, A Iwanami
1NCNP Kohnodai Hospital, Japan.
International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice
|June 13, 2014
Summary
Psychiatrists in Japan developed treatment algorithms for mood disorders, including major depression and bipolar disorder, based on expert opinion and studies. These algorithms aim to guide clinical practice but may require future updates.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Mood disorders pose significant challenges in clinical practice.
- Developing evidence-based treatment guidelines is crucial for effective patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish treatment algorithms for various mood disorder subtypes in Japan.
- To provide guidance for psychiatrists managing major depression and bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey of over 300 Japanese psychiatrists on drug treatment recommendations.
- Integration of evidence from randomized double-blind studies, case reports, and expert opinions.
- Consideration of Japanese clinical documentation and characteristics.
Main Results:
- Algorithms were developed for eight mood disorder subtypes, with a focus on major depression and bipolar disorder.
- Treatment recommendations were ranked based on evidence probability.
- The study acknowledged insufficient clinical psychopharmacological evidence in Japan.
Conclusions:
- The developed algorithms provide a framework for managing mood disorders in Japan.
- These algorithms may necessitate revisions as clinical psychopharmacology advances.
- The study highlights the importance of incorporating diverse evidence sources for algorithm development.
Related Concept Videos
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
1.3K
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
1.3K
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
974
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
974
Drug Therapy
446
The advent of drug therapy has profoundly shaped modern mental health care, providing targeted treatments for a range of psychological disorders. Psychotherapeutic drugs, classified into antianxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications, address symptoms across anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. While these medications have transformed patient outcomes, they require careful management due to their potential side effects and limitations.
Antianxiety Medications
Antianxiety Medications
446
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
793
Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as...
793
Depression: Overview
1.2K
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
1.2K
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
699
Antipsychotic drugs are a crucial treatment method for acute and chronic psychoses, bipolar illness, and behavioral disorders. The selection of these drugs depends on several factors, including the state of the disease, clinical judgment, possible drug interactions, and the patient's sensitivity to adverse effects. In immediate scenarios, such as delirium and dementia, short-term treatment with low doses of high-potency typical or atypical agents can effectively manage symptom exacerbation.
699

