CHSU Discovery

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by episodes of mood swings, ranging from manic/hypomanic (elevated, irritable or euphoric mood) to depressive (low mood and lack of interest in activities). 1 The exact causes of bipolar disorder are unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors.1 It is estimated that bipolar disorder affects approximately 1-2% of the global population.1 The current treatment methods for bipolar disorder involve a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions: Pharmacological: Mood stabilizers are commonly used to manage mood swings and prevent relapse. Atypical antipsychotics can be used to treat the symptoms of mania or psychosis. Antidepressants can be used in combination with mood stabilizers to treat depressive episodes. Psychosocial: Includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and family-focused therapy. These interventions can help individuals better understand their condition, identify triggers that may lead to mood swings, and learn coping skills to manage symptoms. Despite the availability of pharmacological treatments, individuals with bipolar disorder continue to experience significant impairments in functioning and quality of life. As such, there is growing interest in complementary therapies, such as mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). MBIs aim to increase awareness and acceptance of present-moment experiences and has shown promising results in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with bipolar disorder. This systematic review aims to highlight the current evidence on the use of MBIs for bipolar disorder and identify gaps in the literature to inform future research.