Brexpiprazole for Bipolar Depression

The investigators will conduct an 8-week, non-randomized, open-label study of brexpiprazole in 20 persons with bipolar I or II disorder, depressed mood state. Primary aim will be to assess if brexpiprazole is associated with a reduction in depressive symptom severity using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Secondary aims will include an assessment of the following in patients with bipolar disorder taking brexpiprazole: manic symptoms, cognition, safety and tolerability of brexpiprazole, and quality of life. Subjects will be discontinued from the study if any of the following conditions occurs: change in diagnosis to other than bipolar I or II disorder, development of active suicidal or homicidal ideation with plan and intent, worsening of mood symptoms, that in the opinion of the investigators requires discontinuation, pregnancy, development of severe life-threatening medical condition, involuntary psychiatric hospitalization or incarceration.