Question

Difficulty: MediumBipolar and Related Disorders

A 24-year-old woman presents to the outpatient psychiatry clinic complaining of persistent sadness, fatigue, and lack of motivation for the past month. She reports sleeping up to 14 hours a day, an increased appetite with a 4 kg (8.8 lb) weight gain, and difficulty concentrating at work. Medical history is unremarkable, and she does not use illicit substances. During the interview, she mentions that two years ago, she experienced a distinct 6-day period where she felt exceptionally energetic and creative. During that time, she slept only 2 hours a night without feeling tired, spoke much faster than usual, and impulsively booked an expensive vacation she could not afford. Her symptoms during that period did not require hospitalization and resolved spontaneously. If initiated as monotherapy for her current presentation, which of the following medications is most likely to precipitate an adverse psychiatric outcome?

  1. CitalopramAnswer
  2. B
    Lamotrigine
  3. C
    Lithium carbonate
  4. D
    Quetiapine
  5. E
    Valproate

Answer

Citalopram
Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This patient's presentation of a current major depressive episode (hypersomnia, hyperphagia, sadness) and a history of a distinct 6-day period of elevated mood and energy (hypomania) is diagnostic of bipolar II disorder. In patients with bipolar disorder, the use of antidepressant monotherapy is strictly contraindicated because it carries a significant risk of precipitating a manic or hypomanic episode (manic switch). Therefore, starting citalopram monotherapy is the most likely intervention to cause an adverse psychiatric outcome.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the patient's past psychiatric history.
The patient had a 6-day episode of elevated energy, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, and impulsivity not requiring hospitalization.
This establishes a history of a hypomanic episode.
2
Evaluate the patient's current symptoms.
The patient presents with a one-month history of sadness, hypersomnia, hyperphagia, and poor concentration.
This establishes a current major depressive episode.
3
Synthesize the findings to establish a diagnosis.
A history of a hypomanic episode plus a current major depressive episode meets the criteria for bipolar II disorder.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for guiding pharmacotherapy and avoiding contraindicated medications.
4
Identify the contraindicated medication class for this diagnosis.
Antidepressant monotherapy is contraindicated in bipolar disorder due to the risk of precipitating a manic or hypomanic episode.
Citalopram is an antidepressant (SSRI), whereas the other options are mood stabilizers or antipsychotics that are safe in this condition.

Key Concept

In patients with bipolar disorder (I or II), the use of antidepressant monotherapy (such as SSRIs) is contraindicated because it can precipitate a manic or hypomanic episode (manic switch).
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