(p. 28) The treatment of bipolar disorder in its early stages: current techniques, challenges, and future outlook 

The early intervention in psychiatry paradigm has offered the promise of improved tailored treatment. While pioneered in early psychosis, lines of evidence also suggest utility in early bipolar. A challenge is that the emergence of elevated states may post-date depression—preventing early diagnosis. Nonetheless, data suggests neuroprogression and an escalating diathesis to relapse occurs with successive episodes which may be impeded by early intervention. Mitigating psychosocial impacts, improving engagement, reducing the consequences of the progressive nature of the disorder, and enhancing adherence are key potential dividends of early intervention. This chapter provides an overview of the current literature, expert clinical opinions, and hints at future directions pertinent to early intervention. As genomics, informatics, and better appreciation of the importance of diet and lifestyle gain salience, there’s hope for a future rich with technologically enhanced tools to both sooner detect and intervene in early stage bipolar disorders to mitigate consequences.