The idea of early intervention in bipolar disorder is gaining momentum.1 Indeed, the idea of preventing disease progression in a condition that is associated with a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality is a very attractive prospect.1 However, in order to fully realize the goal of preventing bipolar disorder, more research into what interventions work best, and into identifying valid biomarkers of disease, are needed.1
References:
1. Vieta E, Salagre E, Grande I, Carvalho AF, Fernandes BS, Berk M, Birmaher B, Tohen M, Suppes T. Early Intervention in bipolar disorder. Am J Psychiatry 2018; 175 (5): 411–426.
2. McIntyre RS, Alda M, Baldessarini RJ, et al. The clinical characterization of the adult patient with bipolar disorder aimed at personalization of management. World Psychiatry 2022; 21 (3): 364–387.
3. Nierenberg AA, Agustini B, Köhler-Forsberg O, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder: a review. JAMA 2023; 330 (14): 1370–1380.
4. Saraf G, Moazen-Zadeh E, Pinto JV, et al. Early intervention for people at high risk of developing bipolar disorder: a systematic review of clinical trials. Lancet Psychiatry 2021; 8 (1): 64–75.