J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2022 Nov;61(4):267-273. 10.4306/jknpa.2022.61.4.267.

Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Bipolar Disorder 2022: Comorbid Physical Illnesses

• Jung MH
• Bahk WM
• Woo YS
• Jeong JH
• Yoon BH
• Seo JS
• Yang CM
• Kim W
• Lee JG
• Shim SH
• Choo IH
• Park SY
• Sohn I
• Jon DI
• Kim MD

• KMID: 2536666
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2022.61.4.267

Abstract

Objectives
The present study was carried out to revise the guidelines for the Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Bipolar Disorder (KMAP-BP) 2018. The revision was carried out based on expert opinions to facilitate clinical decisions related to the treatment of bipolar disorders in patients with comorbid physical illnesses.
Methods
A 56-item questionnaire was developed; a consensus was arrived at by 87 out of 93 experts (93.5%), on the pharmacological treatment strategies to be used in cases of comorbid physical illnesses accompanying bipolar disorders.
Results
For patients with bipolar disorder exhibiting comorbid conditions, by consensus, lamotrigine, aripiprazole, and ziprasidone were recommended as the first-line strategies for metabolic syndrome; lamotrigine and aripiprazole were the recommended first-line strategies for cardiovascular problems; lithium and aripiprazole were the recommended first-line strategies for haptic problems; valproate, lamotrigine, aripiprazole, and quetiapine were the recommended first-line strategies for renal problems; and valproate and aripiprazole were the recommended first-line strategies for cerebrovascular problems or cerebral damage.
Conclusion
The present study is the most recent consensus among experts on recommendations for the treatment of bipolar disorders in patients with comorbid physical illnesses. Aripiprazole was recommended as the first-line pharmacotherapeutic agent in five comorbid physical conditions. This recommendation is similar to KMAP-BP 2018. Additionally, lamotrigine has been added as a first -line pharmacotherapeutic agent in patients with the metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular problems, and renal problems in the current algorithm.

Keyword

Bipolar disorder; Comorbid physical illnesses; Pharmacotherapy; KMAP-BP 2022