How common are recurrent mood disorders, and what are the variations in the course of these illnesses?
2. What groups of patients with mood disorders should be considered for preventive maintenance medication? 3. How effective are these medications in modifying the course of recurrent affective illness? 4. What principles guide selection of specific therapeutic agents for these groups? 5. What are the treatment strategies for using these medications on a long-term basis? What additional or alternative strategies are available for breakthrough episodes, treatment failures, or aspects of the illness unresponsive to medication? 6. What are the long-term risks and complications of maintenance therapy? How should these be assessed and managed? 7. What research areas need further development? Panel’s Conclusions Recurrent mood disorders have high prevalence and serious consequences but are currently underdiagnosed and undertreated. There are groups of patients with recurrent mood disorders for whom treatments are available which effectively reduce the frequency and intensity of subsequent epi
