The Treatment of Unipolar and Bipolar Depression Today

Abstract

Depression is a second major cause of disability worldwide. It divides into two most important types, major depression and bipolar depression. The various American and European guidelines for the treatment include major depression and bipolar disorder providing similar basic treatment principles, which include individualizing the treatment plan, preparing the patient for potential long-term treatment, providing measurement based care, and remission treatment. While the guidelines are all evidence-based, certain factors can influence differences in specific recommendations. The similarities and differences among the three sets of guidelines from Europe and North Americas are reviewed here (American Psychiatry Association, British Association for Psychopharmacology, and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments). The similarity and differences include which psychopharmacology, psychotherapy or other option can be used. Some factors or special situations e.g. pregnancy or older age can affect the choosing of the treatment principle.