In a recent systematic review and component network meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry we aimed at identifying which psychosocial interventions are associated with an improved course and medium-term outcomes of bipolar disorder. This study suggests that outpatients with bipolar disorder receiving pharmacotherapy should also be offered psychosocial treatments that emphasize illness management strategies and enhance coping skills; delivering these components in family or group format may be especially advantageous. In this seminar, after summarizing the study led by David Miklowitz, I will also discuss some of the common difficulties one would encounter when conducting (i) meta-analyses of psychotherapies and (ii) component network meta-analyses.

Chair: Professor John Geddes