text_1: Bipolar Treatment Comes Into Question
text_2: The story reports recent evidence that anti-depressants given in conjunction with mood stabilizing drugs (such as lithium) do not significantly improve depression or exacerbate mania in bipolar patients. The story suggests that anti-depressants are over-prescribed to patients with bipolar disorder; therefore, there is a suggestion that less treatment with anti-depressants is better. The story appropriately describes the design and some of the quantitative results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted by The Systemic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The story includes information from an author of the study, as well as from a researcher not involved in the study, but who specializes in bipolar treatment. The story notes that the study was sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. The story mentions the potential harm of triggering a manic episode and reports (accurately) that there was no observed difference. The story could have gone further and discussed common harms from antidepressants stacked up against this finding of no benefit – strong incentive to stop giving antidepressant to bipolar disorder. The story also could have discussed other options (such as psychosocial treatments) and whether any of these treatments work. Overall, though, a very complete story – and in only 406 words.