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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have shaped a practical and rational treatment algorithm for major depression. This algorithm is based on evidence obtained by collecting documents from overseas and within Japan, considering the actual state of drug selection in Japan. Because of the characteristics of the drug treatment algorithm, there are several items that are important but could not be discussed, such as psychotherapy, light therapy, and so-forth. Both mild and moderate depression are outlined on the same algorithm because these two cannot be distinguished from the perspectives of pharmacotherapy available in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]