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Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a role in bipolar illness (Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:720), and preliminary studies have suggested that anti-inflammatory agents may benefit bipolar depression (NEJM JW Psychiatry Mar 2018 and Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:27). In an 8-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, researchers in Iran examined the efficacy of augmentation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which has anti-inflammatory and mitochondria-stabilizing properties, in 89 depressed bipolar patients already taking mood stabilizers and antidepressants.
On a clinician-rated measure, patients typically had moderate depression. Twenty patients dropped out and were not included in analyses (lost to follow-up, 13; nonadherent, 4; adverse effects, 3).
The gr…