In order to improve relapse and recurrence prevention in bipolar disorder, the purposes of this paper are: (i) to summarize the evidence published on treatments for this disorder, particularly on psychological interventions in its early phases; (ii) to provide a description of the Jano Intervention and Research Program on the Early Phases of Bipolar Disorder, which is being developed at Valdecilla Hospital (Santander, Spain). Firstly, we review the data from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews regarding four psychotherapies proven to be effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder: psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. Secondly, we display a systematic review on the effectiveness of psychological therapies during the early stage of bipolar disorder. Out of 456 studies, all were excluded due to not meeting the inclusion criteria. Finally, we outline the Jano Program, which provides psychiatric management, psychoeducation, psychotherapy and family therapy for patients in the early stage of bipolar disorder. Several standardized clinical, social and neuropsychological tests are administered to the patients at the beginning of the program, and also at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, 3 and 6 months, 1, 2, 3 and 5 years later.
Conclusions: It's necessary to enlarge the sample and finish our data collection in order to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of this kind of program, and specially of its psychological components. Early intervention for bipolar disorder may need to be adapted in some way from usual treatments to better reach our goals.