Strategies for managing depression complicated by bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, or psychotic features

Major depression, a common clinical problem that, if recognized early and treated vigorously, is often highly responsive to antidepressants and can be complicated by such features as mania, suicidal thoughts and actions, and psychosis. Suicide is one of the most serious complications of major depression.

An online search of the medical literature was used to select English-language articles addressing depression using, but not limited to, the following specific terms: "primary care," "depressive disorders," "bipolar disorder," "suicide," "psychosis," and "antidepressants."

Treatment of the manic phases of bipolar disorder includes lithium or anticonvulsants. Breakthrough depression can be particularly resistant to treatment in bipolar patients, and the tricyclic antidepressants can cause patients to cycle more rapidly into the manic phase. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and bupropion are less likely to cause rapid cycling in bipolar disorder. Depressed patients with suicidal tendencies should be closely monitored and given full doses of antidepressant medications. The SSRIs lessen suicidal tendencies and, importantly, are markedly safer than the tricyclic antidepressants when taken in an overdose. Depressed patients can also become psychotic, exhibiting mood-congruent delusions. Combination therapy with antidepressant and antipsychotic medications is often necessary. Some physicians prefer to hospitalize patients with psychotic depression. Depression can be a complex and multifaceted disorder that requires careful diagnosis and treatment plans.