Social Psychiatry, Vol. 54 No. 2, 2026.
Meeting abstract
https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.236
Use of Long-Acting Injectable Aripiprazole in the Treatment and Management of Bipolar Disorder
Ana Kolovrat
; Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Andrije Štampara 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
*
Dubravka Ergović
; Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Andrije Štampara 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Aripiprazole, as an atypical antipsychotic, is indicated
for the treatment of schizophrenia and
manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Due to its
role in stabilizing neurotransmitter activity (dopamine
and serotonin) in bipolar disorder, it can
be used as monotherapy in the manic phase, as
augmentation alongside mood stabilizers, and
for the prevention of new episodes. In its depot
formulation, it ensures better cooperation and
adherence, and better treatment outcomes in a
certain number of patients due to gradual release
and maintenance of a stable drug level in the
blood. In Croatia, it is reimbursed by the Croatian
Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) exclusively for
the treatment of schizophrenia. In this paper, we
present a patient who has been treated for years
for bipolar disorder, with various combinations of
antipsychotics and mood stabilizers tried so far,
along with antidepressants during depressive episodes.
The most recent hospitalization occurred
in a manic–dysphoric state, during which, as a consequence of the illness, he exhibited serious
suicidal and homicidal disturbances. Given obesity
and metabolic syndrome, and the existing
therapy with risperidone and sodium valproate,
a decision was made to introduce aripiprazole
with the aim of achieving better stabilization,
with its metabolic neutrality being the decisive
factor in this choice. Due to previous nonadherence
to oral medication, the depot preparation
was introduced by mutual agreement with the
patient. Although, according to HZZO guidelines,
aripiprazole depot is not indicated for the treatment
of bipolar affective disorder, in this patient
we managed to achieve a longer stable remission
of the illness, a return to work, and functioning
within his capabilities, with good adherence and
motivation to work on himself.
Keywords
bipolar disorder; depot formulation of aripiprazole; indications
Hrčak ID:
352620
URI
Publication date:
15.6.2026.
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