NAMI Montana Research Update: Recent Studies on Bipolar Disorder
June 29, 2023
NAMI Montana is committed to raising awareness and providing reliable, evidence-based information on mental health topics to support individuals and their loved ones. In this week’s research update, we highlight three peer-reviewed studies that examine different aspects of bipolar disorder treatment.
These articles are shared for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individuals are encouraged to work closely with their clinicians and healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate care and treatment options for their specific needs.
The goal of sharing this research is to enhance understanding and support informed, collaborative conversations between individuals, families, and care teams.
Study 1
Adjunctive Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Citation
Miklowitz DJ, Efthimiou O, Furukawa TA, et al. (2021).
Adjunctive psychotherapy for bipolar disorder: A systematic review and component network meta-analysis.
JAMA Psychiatry, 78(2), 141–150.
Key Findings (Summary)
Thirty-nine randomized clinical trials involving 3,863 participants were reviewed.
Psychotherapy used alongside medication was associated with:
Lower relapse rates
Improved mood stability
Better treatment retention
Particularly effective approaches included:
Psychoeducation with skills practice, especially in family or group formats
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depressive symptom stabilization
Family or conjoint therapy, which improved engagement and retention
Takeaway
People with bipolar disorder benefit most from skills-based psychosocial interventions combined with medication, rather than medication alone.
Study 2
Lithium Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review
Citation
Fountoulakis KN, Tohen M, Zarate CA Jr. (2022).
Lithium treatment of bipolar disorder in adults: A systematic review of randomized trials and meta-analyses.
European Neuropsychopharmacology, 54, 100–115.
Key Findings (Summary)
Lithium remains one of the most extensively studied and effective treatments for bipolar disorder.
Evidence supports lithium’s effectiveness for:
Acute mania, including manic episodes with psychotic features
Maintenance treatment, especially in preventing manic relapses
Suicide risk reduction, a unique and well-documented benefit
Lithium was effective across:
Rapid and non-rapid cycling presentations
Individuals with co-occurring substance use or obsessive-compulsive symptoms
For bipolar depression, lithium was most effective when combined with other medications.
Takeaway
Lithium continues to be a foundational treatment for bipolar disorder, with broad benefits across multiple phases of illness when appropriately monitored.
Study 3
Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies for Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder
Citation
Roosen L, Sienaert P. (2022).
Evidence-based treatment strategies for rapid cycling bipolar disorder: A systematic review.
Journal of Affective Disorders, 311, 69–77.
Key Findings (Summary)
Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is a severe form marked by frequent mood episodes.
Evidence for treatment remains limited, but available data support:
Aripiprazole, olanzapine, and valproate for acute manic or mixed episodes
Quetiapine for acute depressive episodes
Aripiprazole and lamotrigine for relapse prevention
Research is constrained by small study sizes and varied outcome measures.
Takeaway
Treatment options for rapid cycling bipolar disorder are more limited and less well-studied, highlighting a critical need for additional research and individualized care planning.
Learn More
Mental health conditions, education, and resources:
NAMI Montana – www.namimt.orgNational mental health research and information:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – https://www.nimh.nih.gov