Revised psychopharmacological algorithms for the treatment of mood disorders in Japan

Objective. To revise the psychopharmacology algorithms for the treatment of mood disorders published in 1999 in Japan. Methods. The algorithms were established based on clinical psychopharmacological evidence, the results of a questionnaire survey sent to 200 Japanese psychiatrists, and the consensus of all the research members. Results. Six categorized algorithms have been developed, i.e. mild or moderate major depression, severe non-psychotic major depression, psychotic depression, mania, bipolar depression, and rapid cycling mood disorder. Conclusion. The revised algorithms will be helpful for the treatment of mood disorders in Japan.