Open AccessConcurrent, successful management of bipolar I disorder with comorbid alcohol dependence via aripiprazole long‐acting injection: A case report
Author(s) -
Kurata Tsutomu,
Hashimoto Tasuku,
Suzuki Hitoshi
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
neuropsychopharmacology reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.661
H-Index - 13
ISSN - 2574-173X
DOI - 10.1002/npr2.12072
Subject(s) - aripiprazole , bipolar disorder , bipolar i disorder , psychiatry , alcohol use disorder , medicine , alcohol , alcohol dependence , psychology , pediatrics , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , lithium (medication) , mania , chemistry , biochemistry
Abstract Alcohol dependence is frequently comorbid with bipolar I disorder. Aripiprazole and its long‐acting injection have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment and prevention of bipolar I disorder and its attendant symptoms, especially manic episodes. However, whether aripiprazole can alleviate alcohol dependence remains controversial. We report the case of a 47‐year‐old woman who had been diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and alcohol dependence, characterized by poor adherence to pharmacological treatment and our hospital's alcoholic treatment program. Consequently, she was repeatedly hospitalized several times per year due to manic episodes and heavy drinking. After treatment with aripiprazole long‐acting injection at a dosage of 400 mg/mo intramuscularly, she has been relapse‐free for over 2 years. Aripiprazole long‐acting injection might therefore be effective for treating patients with bipolar disorder and a comorbid diagnosis of alcohol dependence.