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Table 2 Grading of data on the basis of a modified POST method

From: Treatment of bipolar disorder: a complex treatment for a multi-faceted disorder

Agent/modality

Acute mania

Acute bipolar depression

Maintenance treatment

Amisulpride

+

ND

+

Aripiprazole

++++

-

+++

Benzodiazepines

+

ND

ND

Carbamazepine

++++

++

+++

Citalopram

ND

+

+

Clozapine

++

ND

++

ECT

++

+++

+

Fluoxetine

ND

++++

++

Gabapentin

-

-

++

Lamotrigine

-

++++

++++

Lithium

++++

++++

++++

Olanzapine

++++

+++

++++

Olanzapine-fluoxetine combination

ND

++++

++

Quetiapine

++++

++++

ND

Risperidone

++++

ND

ND

Topiramate

-

+

ND

Valproiate

++++

+++

+++

Ziprasidone

++++

ND

ND

Psychoeducation

ND

ND

++++

TMS

ND

ND

ND

  1. ++++, good research-based evidence, supported randomized placebo-controlled and comparison trials; +++, fair research-based evidence, supported by randomized controlled trials but there are some drawbacks (small sample size or no placebo control); ++, some evidence on the basis of at least one small scale RCT; +, Recommendation based on prospective case studies, or large scale retrospective chart analyses and support by expert opinion; -, negative data; ND, no data.