Seroquel (Quetiapine) and some other anti-psychotics not only affect the Dopamine neurotransmitters but also the Serotonin neurotransmitters. Therefore, if you hold in mind that Dopamine and (even more so) Serotonin are thought to control mood and behavior, it's not too difficult to see why they can be helpful in the treatment of Depression.

Seroquel is mostly used in patients experiencing a major episode of Depression when diagnosed with Bipolar (Affective) Disorder, however it is also licensed in the treatment of depressive episodes in those with Major Depressive Disorder. Often, Seroquel can be prescribed in addition to an anti-depressant when treating Major Depressive Disorder (should treatment with anti-depressants alone not be quite effective enough).

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In reply to the main topic, I believe that antidepressants are a good choice of treatment for those suffering from Bipolar Disorder - especially when they are suffering from an episode of Depression. The important thing that should be done by any good doctor is to start off on a very low dose AND in addition to the anti-depressant, prescribe a mood stabilizing medication such as Quetiapine (Seroquel), Valproic Acid, Lithium, Olanzapine etc.

I'm on 150mg Sertraline for treating depressive episodes and am always on some form of mood stabilizing medication (currently Quetiapine 200mg morning, 400mg night) to prevent mania.

Typically if an anti-depressant is prescribed for someone with Bipolar Disorder it can be done safely as long as it is started off at a very low dosage and slowly increased as needed. Any good psychiatrist would ensure frequent follow-ups and that a mood stabilizing medication is prescribed if anti-depressants have caused a manic episode in the past.

RB