Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of Pharmacotherapies for the Maintenance Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This study aims to evaluate and compare the relative efficacy and tolerability of various pharmacological strategies for the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. While multiple options exist, a comprehensive synthesis that ranks the comparative effectiveness of all major modalities remains limited. We will conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). By integrating both direct and indirect clinical evidence, this NMA will simultaneously compare multiple therapeutic strategies, including monotherapies and combination therapies involving mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.