Lithium versus carbamazepine in the maintenance treatment of bipolar II disorder and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified

In a randomized clinical trial (MAP study), the prophylactic efficacy of lithium and carbamazepine was compared in a subgroup of patients (n = 57) who presented either a bipolar II disorder or a bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (DSMIV). During the observation period of 2.5 years, no significant differences between the drugs were found considering hospitalization, recurrences, subclinical recurrences, concomitant medication and severe side-effects. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 14:283-285 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.