Original Research J Clin Psychiatry March 2026

Safety and Efficacy of Maintenance Treatment With Aripiprazole Once-Monthly in Black/African American Adults Diagnosed With Bipolar I Disorder: Post Hoc Analysis of a 52-Week, Open-Label Study

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in J Clin Psychiatry. Clinical Summary Black/African American patients with bipolar I disorder are more likely to receive antipsychotics, often at higher doses and more often as first-generation agents, yet evidence on second-generation long-acting injectables in this population is sparse. This analysis addresses that gap by examining whether aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg maintains stability and has a comparable safety profile in Black/African American adults already stabilized on aripiprazole. FAQ What did this study find about aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg in Black/African American adults with bipolar I disorder?

Key Takeaways Overall discontinuation was higher in Black/African American patients (51.0%) than in White patients (37.6%), Asian patients (23.4%), and patients of other racial groups (18.2%), but this was largely driven by protocol-specified withdrawal criteria rather than adverse events; 15 of 18 Black/African American withdrawals in that category followed a positive drug test. Clinical Guide How should clinicians implement and monitor aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg maintenance treatment in Black/African American adults with bipolar I disorder who are already stabilized on aripiprazole?