Early intervention for bipolar disorder: current imperatives, future directions

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article is to discuss the rationale/background for early intervention in bipolar disorder. METHOD: Narrative review. RESULTS: There are often significant delays before the diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made and effective management initiated. Growing evidence from both preclinical and clinical literature points to a clear need for improved early identification and early intervention in bipolar disorder. Increasing efforts are being applied to the identification of those at high risk of onset of bipolar disorder. It is hoped that identification of an early prodrome of illness will allow preventative measures to be taken. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear rationale for improved early identification and early intervention in bipolar disorder.