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 covered a wide variety of psychiatric issues and industry updates, from evidence-based novel therapies for bipolar depression to potential indicators of early-stage Alzheimer disease. Here are some highlights from the week.

Thinking Beyond the Guidelines: Evidence-Based Novel Therapies for Bipolar Depression

Bipolar depression (BD) can be difficult to treat due to several factors, and choosing the most appropriate treatment approaches should be based upon patient-specific factors (eg, comorbidities, preferences). Based on treatment response and these patient-specific issues, there are a variety of nonpharmacologic therapies and novel pharmacologic options that can be considered as part of the treatment plan.

Although many clinicians tend to focus on pharmacologic treatments for BD, nonpharmacologic interventions have been shown to be effective in bipolar depression, many of which contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle and can be recommended in addition to medications. Additionally, some of these interventions pose only a low risk, and they may be preferable to the use of medications for select patients. Barriers associated with implementation include cost and accessibility. Clinicians should familiarize themselves with the following interventions and recommend them to patients whenever possible. 

Formic Acid as a Urinary Biomarker for Early-Stage Alzheimer Disease

A new study is the first to identify formic acid as a sensitive urinary biomarker that can reveal early-stage Alzheimer disease.Investigators found that urinary formic acid is a sensitive marker of subjective cognitive decline that may indicate the very early stages of Alzheimer disease. A noninvasive, inexpensive urine test for formic acid could help improve the rate of diagnosis, which often comes too late for effective treatment.

“Alzheimer disease is a continuous and concealed chronic disease, meaning that it can develop and last for many years before obvious cognitive impairment emerges,” said the authors. “The early stages of the disease occur before the irreversible dementia stage, and this is the golden window for intervention and treatment. Therefore, large-scale screening for early-stage Alzheimer disease is necessary for the elderly.” 

As I have been writing this daily blog this morning, the sun has been coming up, dispelling the darkness. “Gaslighting” had been brought to my attention by a colleague. On this past Tuesday, it was revealed as Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year, based solely on the data on most-searched words, excluding the timeless ones. Two definitions were provided, a long and a short one:

“Psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.”

Or more succinctly, “the act or practice of grossly misleading someone especially for one’s own advantage.” 

Being well versed in correct terminology is fundamental to building affirming clinical environments and psychosocial rapport with patients. Physicians are not expected to get everything right, but to take responsibility for their education and apologize in the event a mistake is made.

 a key distinction to make is between sex and gender. Sex is assigned at birth by a medical professional most often based on biological criteria, such as external genitalia. Gender refers to a person’s internal sense of self, which can be expressed through a diverse range of social, cultural, physical, and behavioral cues, such as clothing, pronouns, and physical embodiment.

 neither sex nor gender are binary, as evidenced by the existence of intersex and TGD individuals. And neither sex nor gender are categorical. Someone’s gender identity can change through their life, and someone’s sex can, too (eg, a person can change their gender expression, sex hormone levels, and the appearance of their genitalia). 

. And be sure to stay up-to-date by subscribing to the 

Do you have a comment on any of these or other articles? Have a good idea for an article and want to write? Interested in sharing your perspectives? Write to us at 

From evidence-based novel therapies for bipolar depression to potential indicators of early-stage Alzheimer disease, here are highlights from the week in Psychiatric Times.

The Week in Review: November 28-December 2

The first 13 participants have been dosed in part 1 of the phase 3 SERENITY III trial investigating at-home use of dexmedetomidine (BXCL501) sublingual film for agitation associated with bipolar I or II disorder or schizophrenia.

“Evaluating BXCL501 for at-home use is an exciting and important milestone that potentially expands the market opportunity for the treatment of agitation,” said Robert Risinger, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience at BioXcel Therapeutics.

SERENITY III is a 2-part, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to evaluate BXCL501 60 mcg dose for at-home use. The first part of the study, similar to SERENITY I and II, is designed to determine the efficacy and safety of a 60 mcg dose in acutely agitated patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in a monitored setting. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change from baseline in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale-Excitatory Component (PEC) total score at 2 hours after dosing compared to placebo.

Approximately 200 participants will be enrolled in part 1 at up to approximately 20 clinical sites in the United States. Part 2 of the study will assess the safety of 60 mcg dose compared to placebo when self-administered at home.

BXCL501 has been granted breakthrough therapy designation for the acute treatment of agitation associated with dementia and fast track designation for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and dementia.

“We anticipate top-line data from SERENITY III as well as our TRANQUILITY II trial for Alzheimer’s-related agitation in the first half of 2023. These 2 near-term pivotal data readouts further reinforce the potential of BXCL501 to address the unmet medical needs of millions of patients,” said Risinger.

1. BioXcel Therapeutics announces first patients dosed in SERENITY III phase 3 trial for acute treatment of agitation in adults with bipolar I or II disorder or schizophrenia. BioXcel Theerapeutics. News release. November 30, 2022. 

https://ir.bioxceltherapeutics.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bioxcel-therapeutics-announces-first-patients-dosed-serenity-iii

The phase 3 SERENITY III trial investigating at-home use of dexmedetomidine (BXCL501) sublingual film for agitation associated with bipolar I or II disorder or schizophrenia has started. 

Phase 3 Trial of Dexmedetomidine for Bipolar I or II, Schizophrenia Doses First Participants

All other clinicians either will receive a CME Attendance Certificate or may choose any of the types of CE credit being offered.

The goal of this activity is to help readers understand and apply novel treatment approaches for patients with bipolar depression.

1. Evaluate nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments for bipolar depression.

2. Distinguish evidence-based novel treatments for bipolar depression.

This accredited continuing education (CE) activity is intended for psychiatrists, psychologists, primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other health care professionals seeking to improve the care of patients with mental health disorders.

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“Thinking Beyond the Guidelines: Evidence-Based Novel Therapies for Bipolar Depression”

(This is the second part of a 2-part article discussing novel treatments for bipolar depression. 

 appeared in the September issue and discussed the need for novel treatments for bipolar depression. –Ed.)

Although many clinicians tend to focus on pharmacologic treatments for BD, nonpharmacologic interventions have been shown to be effective in bipolar depression, many of which contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle and can be recommended in addition to medications (

). Additionally, some of these interventions pose only a low risk, and they may be preferable to the use of medications for select patients. Barriers associated with implementation include cost and accessibility. Clinicians should familiarize themselves with the following interventions and recommend them to patients whenever possible.

The International Society for Bipolar Disorder recommends the use of chronotherapeutic treatments.

 Its guidelines recommend the use of bright light therapy and sleep deprivation/wake therapy for BD and dark therapy for mania. Several meta-analyses and systematic reviews found positive results for bright light therapy in BD.

 Although studies are relatively small, bright light has few to no adverse effects and should be considered for patients who have the resources to purchase a light box. In several meta-analyses, the brightness of the light box and length of time utilized varied, depending on the study. In most trials, the light provided ranged from 2500 to 10,000 lux, and the administration time ranged from 7.5 to 60 minutes delivered upon awakening in the morning.

 Participants were maintained on medication regimens during the studies. Clinicians should be aware of the hypothetical risk for affective switching; however, based on available studies, the risk is minimal.

 and light therapy conducted together can effectively treat BD. Sikkens et al studied 60 participants with drug-resistant BD who underwent sleep deprivation periods along with daily bright light therapy sessions.

 After 1 week of treatment, 44% of patients showed significant improvement. Of this group, 17% remained euthymic at 1 year of follow up. For those interested in this approach, Veale provides an easy-to-follow method (

 Although the directions are relatively simple, this protocol may be quite challenging for many patients due to the sleep restriction requirements.

The use of blue light-blocking sunglasses in the evening reduces depressive and manic symptoms.

 If patients have difficulty following the sleep deprivation and light therapy protocols, a middle ground might include wearing blue light–blocking glasses in the evening starting at 7 PM and doing bright light therapy every morning. Blue light–blocking sunglasses can be purchased for about $10, and light boxes with the appropriate specifications can be purchased for $100 to $200. There is some variability in 

 specifications in the research; typically, a box measuring 12 ×17 inches is recommended. The brightness should be between 2500 and 10,000 lux, and patients should use the light box for about 30 minutes per day as soon as possible after waking up. The light box should be placed above eye level while in use, and sunglasses should not be worn.

The cost of the light box may be prohibitive for some patients. In those cases, clinicians should adapt suggested interventions to meet the patient’s needs. For example, patients may be able to sit outdoors in bright sunlight for 15 to 30 minutes in the morning.

 Exercise has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers, and physical activity may be beneficial in BD. For example, Paolucci et al studied 61 university students engaged in various levels of exercise intensity.

 The investigators found moderate, continuous exercise produced the best results. Participants reported reductions in depression and anxiety, and they had lower levels of inflammatory markers. Of note, high-intensity interval training also improved depression, but it increased the participants’ perception of stress and increased the inflammatory markers TNF-α and interleukin-6.

According to available literature related to the impact of 

 on numerous psychiatric conditions, exercise improves depressive symptoms, reduces stress, decreases inflammatory markers, and promotes the synthesis of monoamine neurotransmitters in patients with bipolar disorder.

 Although exercise alone may not lead to remission, it has clear benefits, and should be recommended at moderate levels. Easily accessible forms of exercise—such as walking—may be easiest for patients to implement. For patients who have mobility issues or who live in areas where walking is not possible, chair exercise or 

 might be good alternatives. Other patients may find it easier to set up an exercise schedule at a gym or with a personal trainer. Generally, an exercise program that the patient is most likely to maintain is the best choice.

 and mental illness show a clear negative impact of smoking on the symptoms of BD.

 Indeed, smoking is a risk factor for the development of BD. Cigarette smoking is also well known to negatively affect inflammatory markers.

Although there is no evidence that smoking cessation will treat BD successfully, it makes sense to encourage all patients to 

. Several effective pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments are available to assist with this goal. Early evidence suggested that varenicline might worsen mood and increase the risk of suicidal ideation, but more recent analyses have not shown an increase in neuropsychiatric adverse effects with use of varenicline, 

There are no concerning drug interactions with varenicline or bupropion and medications typically used to treat BD, but clinicians should be aware that cigarette smoking is a cytochrome P450 inducer. If patients quit smoking, the blood levels of some psychotropics can increase. Because the effect is related to smoking itself, the same interaction does not exist with nicotine replacement therapy.

 Healthy dietary patterns improve overall health and reduce symptoms of psychiatric illnesses.

 Specifically, the results of numerous studies have shown that following an anti-inflammatory diet can improve overall health and, potentially, psychiatric symptoms.

Implementation of the Mediterranean diet and MIND (Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH] Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diets has anti-inflammatory properties. The Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. It uses liberal amounts of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, and omega-3 fatty acids, primarily through the consumption of fish. The MIND combines the benefits of the DASH, which was developed to prevent cardiovascular disease. It encourages reduced consumption of saturated fat, sodium, and sugar intake and promotes healthy proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. All of these diets have a variety of health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in relieving depressive symptoms. Additionally, they may help combat the metabolic effects of numerous psychiatric medications.

, clinicians may find it helpful to focus on a few specific items that patients can add to their current diets. Advising patients to overhaul their entire eating style may be overwhelming and ineffective. For example, patients may be able to focus on adding more vegetables, nuts, and seafood as a first step. In addition, small steps may be the best strategy for patients who consume great amounts of inflammatory foods such as sugar and starchy items. These individuals may find it less overwhelming if they focus on 1 change at a time (eg, switching from soda to water or flavored water) and then adopt other changes. Motivational interviewing approaches are useful when encouraging lifestyle change. Ideally, clinicians should check in with patients at every visit to monitor their progress in implementing lifestyle changes.

 The results of several studies have noted that use of various dietary supplements may benefit patients diagnosed with BD and unipolar depression. Inflammatory state alterations reflective of microbiota alterations in the gastrointestinal (GI) system are present in many psychiatric conditions, including BD.

 Probiotics modulate stress hormones, increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin levels, and reduce inflammation.

 The brain-gut axis involves pathways including the parasympathetic nervous system, the immune system, the gut neuroendocrine system, and neurotransmitters produced in the gut.

 For example, a large portion of endogenous serotonin is manufactured in the GI tract. Serotonin modulates the blood-brain barrier and vagal nerve activity.

Currently, evidence in humans on this topic is limited to observational studies. Probiotic supplementation may have a role in improving BD; current research, however, is limited by small trials and methodologic variability.

 have anti-inflammatory properties, and may be effective in supporting treatment of BD.

 In a systematic review, Sarris et al found a positive effect for omega-3 fatty acids in depression.

 Additionally, several studies have shown positive effects for omega-3 fatty acids in patients diagnosed with BD.

 If using fish oil supplements, patients should ensure that the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content is 1.5 times the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In addition, patients should take between 1000 to 3000 mg per day.

 Most people are unlikely to obtain this amount of EPA and DHA in their diet, unless they have a high intake of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Other supplements that have been studied in managing BD and unipolar depression include coenzyme Q10, inositol, and several vitamins and minerals.

 However, the evidence on these agents is very limited and has shown mixed findings. At this point, treatment recommendations cannot be made based on the research.

Use of L-methylfolate also may be considered as an adjunctive treatment.

 When folate and lamotrigine were combined in 1 study, lamotrigine became clinically ineffective; however, this finding has not been replicated.

 There are no other known drug interactions with these supplements.

 Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be considered when standard treatments fail.

 Clinicians should be aware of a risk for psychomotor agitation in patients with BD who are treated with TMS. Currently, several FDA-approved devices are being used in patients with BD, and TMS is being used more commonly in this patient population.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been studied for BD, and has shown promising results.

 Several small studies showed that DBS provided significant improvement in depressive symptoms among patients with BD.

 Among the studies, there was no consistent brain area of focus for the DBS treatment; in TMS, on the other hand, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was targeted. A risk for affective switching was seen in 1 patient among these trials, but adjustment of stimulation parameters mitigated the symptoms. DBS is not commonly used; however, it is surgically invasive and costly, and the device must be removed if treatment is not successful.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains one of the most potent interventions for depressive disorders, including BD.

 The duration of the current episode is a significant predictor of therapeutic response, and some recommendations indicate that ECT should be considered earlier in the course of treatment. Unfortunately, many clinicians consider it a treatment of last resort. This stance may prolong the duration of a course of BD and reduce the likelihood of response.

Magnetic seizure therapy also is a promising treatment option.

 It delivers high-intensity magnetic field impulses through a coil to induce seizure activity in the brain. Currently, however, this treatment is not widely available.

There is evidence supporting the use of various off-label pharmacologic treatments in BD (

). Off-label medications typically are not included in published treatment guidelines, partially because research is less frequently conducted with older generic medications. Studies of off-label medications may show inconsistent findings due to smaller sample sizes and methodological variation. In addition, the majority of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses of these studies do not include information about the dosing ranges used, which limits their generalizability and clinical utility. When considering these novel medications, clinicians should consider them to be second-, third-, or fourth-line options, at best. Most importantly, clinicians should consider patient-specific factors that may influence treatment selection.

 The use of dopaminergic agents (eg, dopamine antagonists, dopamine reuptake inhibitors) to treat depressive disorders is well established; indeed, dopamine antagonists are a mainstay of treatment according to published treatment guidelines. Other agents with varying mechanisms of action also have been studied. Amantadine and memantine are similar drugs that are believed to be dopamine agonists and NMDA-receptor antagonists.

, dyskinesias, and neurocognitive impairment.

Although a small meta-analysis did not find a benefit for memantine over placebo to treat depression,

 another review found several studies that demonstrated positive effects.

 In addition, a case series demonstrated benefit with amantadine given for BD.

 Research on these agents remains limited, although they may be an option for patients with BD, particularly if affected patients have accompanying neurocognitive symptoms. In most studies, these drugs were used adjunctively with 

Dopamine agonists and amphetamines have been studied for use in BD. Their efficacy has been demonstrated in RCTs, open label trials, and case report series.

 However, they run a risk of inducing manic and/or psychotic symptoms; therefore, clinicians should monitor patients closely for the emergence of such manifestations.

Modafinil and armodafinil typically are used to treat narcolepsy and sleep-wake cycle disorder. The results of 5 RCTs in a meta-analysis demonstrated that augmentation with modafinil/armodafinil was associated with significantly greater rates of treatment response in patients with BD.

The dopamine agonists pramipexole and ropinirole are indicated to treat Parkinson disease and restless leg syndrome. A systematic review and meta-analysis involving 5 RCTs and 8 open-label or observational studies showed positive outcomes when pramipexole was used in patients with unipolar depression or BD.

 Two small studies found positive effects when ropinirole was used to treat BD or unipolar depression.

 Nausea is a common adverse effect associated with use of pramipexole; prophylactic use of an antinauseant may be advisable when treatment with the drug is initiated. On a positive note, pramipexole has not increased the risk of mood switching.

 As discussed previously, chronic and acute inflammation may be related to depressive symptoms. There is preliminary evidence that biomarkers (eg, CRP, other inflammatory cytokines) may be elevated in people with 

 A meta-analysis of 4 studies using infliximab, a TNF inhibitor, did not find positive effects when the drug was given to patients treatment-resistant unipolar depression.

 However, the use of other anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of BD has some research support. For example, several studies have shown positive outcomes for celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, when used adjunctively with standard treatments.

Importantly, a concurrent proton-pump inhibitor to protect the GI system should be prescribed when using celecoxib.

Minocycline is a tetracycline derivative antibiotic that also has anti-inflammatory properties. A small RCT showed positive effects for its use in patients with unipolar depression.

 A systematic review found positive effects in treating 

 but not BD or unipolar depression; 16 RCTs were included, although only 1 focused on BD, and 3 focused on unipolar depression.

 In addition, there was a wide dosing range among studies (50-300 mg) and some methodological variation, making generalities difficult.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is another anti-inflammatory agent that has been studied to treat BD. This drug primarily has been used to treat acute liver injury, but it is also available as an over-the-counter supplement. It has anti-inflammatory effects believed to be related to modulation of cytokine production and glutathione, an antioxidant that modulates NMDA receptors that may be related to the therapeutic effect of NAC. Several reviews included trials demonstrating the efficacy of NAC in treating BD.

Statin drugs used to treat hypercholesteremia exert anti-inflammatory effects, as well. Research on using these agents to treat psychiatric disorders is very limited; however, there are some potentially promising findings involving schizophrenia, unipolar depression, and 

Glutamatergic inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. 

Riluzole is believed to function as a glutamate inhibitor and an NMDA receptor antagonist. It is indicated as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lamotrigine, also a glutamate inhibitor, is more commonly used in psychiatry. A literature review provided preliminary evidence supporting riluzole use in patients with 

 Similarly, a small, open-label study of glutamatergic neurotransmission and depressive symptoms in BD showed an improvement in depressive symptoms with the use of riluzole.

 is another glutamate modulator and NMDA receptor antagonist. There is evidence supporting its adjunctive use with standard medication treatments in mood disorders.

 Dextromethorphan has been studied as a combination therapy with quinidine and as a monotherapy.

Ketamine and esketamine are believed to act as NMDA receptor antagonists and to increase synaptic plasticity. These drugs also have glutamatergic activity. Although much of the research on these agents focuses on unipolar depression, there is also evidence that they can be used effectively to treat BD.

 Unfortunately, ketamine research remains a challenge due to funding and recruitment issues. Esketamine is currently FDA-approved for the treatment of unipolar depression; research has not focused on its use in BD.

 Antiglucocorticoid drugs that have been investigated for use in mood disorders include metyrapone, ketoconazole, and mifepristone.

 In a meta-analysis, individuals with depressive symptoms associated with unipolar depression and higher cortisol levels at baseline responded to metyrapone and ketoconazole.

 Also discussed in this meta-analysis was the use of mifepristone for patients with psychotic depression or bipolar disorder.

 Evidence on mifepristone in BD is limited, but use of this drug in affected patients has produced promising results—baseline cortisol levels were similar among responders and nonresponders. Again, these small studies had methodological variability.

Other miscellaneous agents that have been studied for BD include pioglitazone (an antidiabetic agent), pindolol (a β-blocker that also blocks 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptors and possibly exerts antidepressant effects through that mechanism), and liothyronine sodium (T

) hormone supplementation. The results for these agents have been mixed. For example, although an RCT found positive effects of pioglitazone, another failed to show benefit.

 Pindolol has been studied as an adjunct to dark therapy) and has significantly improved the antidepressant effects of sleep deprivation.

 In addition, there is evidence to support the use of T

 The use of thyroid hormone augmentation in unipolar depression is well established; however, research in BD is more limited. In practice, T

 is often preferred due to cost and availability, but there is evidence that T

Although there are a number of FDA-approved medications and published treatment guidelines related to the treatment of BD, the established medications are often ineffective or intolerable due to adverse effects in many cases. Fortunately, there are a variety of emerging nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic options to treat BD when standard treatments have failed. The majority of nonpharmacologic treatments have minimal to no adverse effects and they contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle. Physical exercise, light box therapy, or an anti-inflammatory diet can be excellent therapeutic options for some patients. Medications with mechanisms of action other than those of standard pharmacologic treatments may be sensible third- or fourth-line therapeutic options. Psychiatric clinicians would be well-served by familiarizing themselves with novel treatment choices for BD and applying an individualized approach to enhance patient outcomes.

is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and clinical assistant professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing.

is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at the Mood Treatment Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

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In this CME article, learn how to apply novel treatment approaches for patients with bipolar depression. 

 covered a wide variety of psychiatric issues and industry updates, from the cardiac adverse effects of lithium to the road to over-the-counter naloxone. Here are some highlights from the week.

Harnessing the Power of AI Technology for Drug Discovery Treatments

The buzz about the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to either save or doom humanity is rather deafening. A way to explain what people mean by AI is that it comprises the technologies we employ to have computers comb through large datasets using programs (“algorithms”) to find and extract patterns, help humans understand those patterns, suggest decisions regarding future choices, and predict future events or suggest outcomes not previously conceived.

From the cardiac adverse effects of lithium to the road to over-the-counter naloxone, here are highlights from the week in Psychiatric Times.

Bipolar Disorder

The Week in Review: November 28-December 2

Phase 3 Trial of Dexmedetomidine for Bipolar I or II, Schizophrenia Doses First Participants

Thinking Beyond the Guidelines: Evidence-Based Novel Therapies for Bipolar Depression

The Week in Review: November 14-18

Beware of Relapse!

Lithium: Cardiac Adverse Effects and When to Get an ECG

A Heavy Burden: Bipolar Disorder and Obesity

The Week in Review: October 31-November 4

Bipolar I vs Bipolar II: What are the Major Differences in Presentation and Treatment?

Renal Function After Lithium Withdrawal