Bipolar Disorder: Recent Advances in Pharmacological and Psychotherapeutic Treatment

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15953225221011

• Palavras-chave: Bipolar Disorder; Pharmacological Treatment; Lithium; Mood Stabilizers; Psychotherapy

• Keywords: Bipolar Disorder; Pharmacological Treatment; Lithium; Mood Stabilizers; Psychotherapy

• Abstract:

  Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and debilitating mental health condition characterized by alternating episodes of mania/hypomania and depression, with a high risk of comorbidities and suicide. Management of the disease is complex and multifaceted, requiring an integrated approach. This narrative review explores recent advances in treatment, highlighting pharmacotherapy as a central pillar. Lithium remains the gold standard treatment, with strong efficacy in acute mania and relapse prevention, complemented by other mood stabilizers (valproate) and atypical antipsychotics (quetiapine, lurasidone), the latter being crucial for the treatment of the challenging depressive phase. For severe or refractory cases, neuromodulation therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) offer high efficacy. Essentially, psychotherapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-focused therapy (FFT), are indispensable adjuvants for improving adherence, functionality, and preventing relapses. It is concluded that the best approach is a personalized and continuous combination of pharmacological and psychosocial strategies.