What are the Challenges to Early Intervention for Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, but early intervention efforts are still decades behind those in psychosis. In collaboration with international experts and individuals with lived experience, Orygen and the Daymark Foundation set out to answer a critical question:
“How can we better support young people at risk for, or in the early stages of, BD?”
Through in-depth interviews with experts from research, clinical practice, advocacy, and philanthropy, we identified nine key challenges to advancing early intervention:
Awareness: Limited understanding of BD across all sectors hinders help-seeking and timely diagnosis.
Definitions: Lack of shared definitions around early-stage BD and at-risk states complicates research and care.
Resourcing: BD remains underfunded in both clinical and research settings compared to other mental health conditions.
Measurement and Assessment: Current tools are inadequate for early detection, especially in youth.
Data: Fragmented data and inconsistent measures limit collaboration and progress.
Treatments: Evidence-based early interventions are scarce, with concerns over medication use and limited therapy access.
Service Capacity and Models: A shortage of trained clinicians and clear service models impedes effective care.
Families: Families are a vital but underutilized resource in early identification and support.
Collaboration: Stronger, more inclusive partnerships are needed across all stakeholder groups.
These findings lay the groundwork for working towards transforming early intervention in BD and generating better outcomes for young people, families, and communities.