Psychiatry and neurology have not only a common subjects of research, i.e. the human brain, but in clinical practice also a number of diagnostic methods and therapeutic procedures. Common thera- peutic procedures include in particular anticonvulsants. Recently new anticonvulsants are in the foreground of interest. They extended in psychiatry the spectrum of therapeutic possibilities in bipolar disorders. The author concentrates on lamotrigine where experience in bipolar disorders is most extensive. Lamotrigine is a promising preparation in particular on account of its antidepressive properties and the minimal tendency to induce a switch-over to mania.

        Key words: anticonvulsants, lamotrigine, bipolar disorder