Non-pharmacological treatment for bipolar disorder from psychosocial treatment to digital therapy: a narrative review.

Purpose: Although bipolar disorder requires lifelong pharmacotherapy to prevent recurrence, many patients continue to experience residual symptoms and relapses despite optimal medication. As a result, non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly recognized as essential adjuncts for improving c...

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Publicado en:Journal of the Korean Medical Association / Taehan Uisa Hyophoe Chi Vol. 69; no. 3; pp. 228 - 240
Autores principales: Baek, Ji Hyun, Cho, Chul-Hyun
Formato: review Journal Article
Publicado: Korean Medical Association Mar2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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        atl: Non-pharmacological treatment for bipolar disorder from psychosocial treatment to digital therapy: a narrative review.
      aug:
        au:
          Baek, Ji Hyun
          Cho, Chul-Hyun
        affil: Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
      sug:
        subj:
          Bipolar Disorder Therapy
          Psychosocial Intervention
          Combined Modality Therapy
          Digital Technology
          Therapy, Computer Assisted
          Psychoeducation
          Cognition
          Behavior Therapy
          Family Therapy
          Interpersonal Relations
          Electroconvulsive Therapy
          Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
          Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
          Vagal Stimulation
          Deep Brain Stimulation
          Telehealth
          Telemedicine
          Remote Patient Monitoring
          Artificial Intelligence
          Treatment Outcomes
      ab: Purpose: Although bipolar disorder requires lifelong pharmacotherapy to prevent recurrence, many patients continue to experience residual symptoms and relapses despite optimal medication. As a result, non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly recognized as essential adjuncts for improving clinical outcomes. This narrative review summarizes promising non-pharmacological approaches for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Current concepts: Non-pharmacological strategies for bipolar disorder include psychosocial interventions, neuromodulation, and digital therapeutics. Among psychosocial treatments, psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and peer support programs have demonstrated varying levels of evidence for improving depressive symptoms and preventing recurrence. In the domain of neuromodulation, electroconvulsive therapy remains the most established and effective option for treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. Invasive techniques such as vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation show potential benefits in refractory cases, whereas noninvasive methods, including transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct-current stimulation, are generally more accessible and better tolerated. Digital therapeutics, which encompass mobile- or web-based behavioral interventions, remain in early stages of development but demonstrate emerging feasibility and potential clinical utility. Discussion and conclusion: Despite continued advances in pharmacotherapy, a substantial proportion of patients with bipolar disorder fail to achieve complete remission. Non-pharmacological treatments may complement pharmacological strategies by addressing psychosocial and neurobiological factors that are not fully targeted by medication alone. Although the current evidence base remains limited, rapid technological advances and growing research efforts may soon establish these interventions as integral components of personalized care for bipolar disorder.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        review
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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