The Link between Refractoriness and Neuroprogression in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

Treatment refractoriness remains one of the biggest challenges in the field of bipolar disorder (BD) as treatments are often suboptimal or unsatisfactory. Recent evidence points towards a potential link between the progressively evolving nature of BD, increased inflammation, and reduced treatment response. There are several medications and other somatic treatments available, but remission rates are low, and medication compliance is still problematic. Psychotherapeutic techniques appear to be promising in several disease states and in relapse prevention, but additional research is needed to determine who will benefit from what strategy the most. Current knowledge on the link between neuroprogression in BD and poor treatment response promotes the use of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective strategies in the early phases of BD. In the later stages of BD, mood stabilization and medication adherence would be essential in preventing additional brain changes and loss of cognitive reserve. Additional large-scale, longitudinal, and methodologically robust studies are urgently needed to develop effective therapeutic interventions for treatment-resistant BD.