Review identifies most effective treatments for bipolar disorder

Researchers have analyzed 77 meta-analyses encompassing 116 distinct treatments for bipolar disorder, pinpointing the most effective interventions across various age groups and mood phases. Bipolar disorder, marked by extreme fluctuations in mood, energy, and activity, can lead to depressive or manic episodes. Led by researchers from The Ottawa Hospital in Canada and universities in Spain, Italy, France, and the UK, a platform named EBI-BD (Evidence Based Interventions for Bipolar Disorder) has been developed.

This open-access web platform presents the impact, side effects, and strength of evidence for each treatment. For bipolar depression in adults, effective treatments include cariprazine, fluoxetine, and lurasidone, while for children and teenagers, lurasidone and olanzapine with fluoxetine are recommended. Effective interventions for adult mania episodes include aripiprazole, haloperidol, lithium, and risperidone, with aripiprazole, asenapine, and olanzapine being suitable for children and teenagers.

Maintenance doses, aimed at preventing future episodes and promoting long-term health, are effective for adults with aripiprazole, lithium, and risperidone. The study's authors, including Michele De Prisco and Dr. Jess Fiedorowicz, hope clinicians will utilize the platform to find optimal treatment plans for each patient, considering efficacy and side effects.

This tool, called a "living review," can be updated as new evidence emerges, continuously improving care for bipolar disorder patients.