Effect of aripiprazole on self-reported anhedonia in bipolar depressed patients

Some studies have suggested that aripiprazole might be a useful treatment for bipolar depression. There are no studies evaluating the effect of aripiprazole on anhedonia. In the present study, effects of aripiprazole were investigated under routine clinical conditions. Anhedonia was measured in patients with bipolar disorder type I (n = 50) using the self-rated Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) and depression was assessed using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Anhedonia was present in 52% of all patients and was significantly reduced during treatment with aripiprazole. All patients completed the 16-week trial. Only 16% of patients experienced side effects (akathisia, headache). Future studies should investigate the specificity of anti-anhedonic and anti-depressant properties of aripiprazole in bipolar patients.