Bipolar disorders: an update on critical aspects

Abstract

Bipolar disorders are chronic psychiatric conditions characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. Affecting over 1% of the global population, these disorders contribute significantly to disability and mortality, often due to suicide and cardiovascular disease. Diagnostic challenges arise from symptom overlap with unipolar depression, frequently leading to delays. Bipolar disorders are driven by complex genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors and are commonly accompanied by psychiatric and medical comorbidities, further complicating diagnosis and treatment. Standard management strategies include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and selective use of antidepressants, complemented by psychosocial interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychoeducation, which are vital for relapse prevention. Despite recent advancements, the management of bipolar disorders remains challenging, constrained by clinical variability, an absence of specific biomarkers, and differences in approved treatments and treatment guidelines across regions. Emerging research underscores the potential of precision psychiatry and digital health tools to enhance diagnosis and treatment. Nonetheless, critical gaps persist, particularly in implementing equitable care worldwide. This review offers a comprehensive update on bipolar disorders, examining clinical presentation, early diagnosis, pathogenesis, therapeutic strategies, and future perspectives to guide clinicians and researchers in addressing these ongoing challenges in research and clinical practice.