Lifestyle Prescription in Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is a growing interest in the role of lifestyle behaviours in the management of psychiatric disorders, such as BD. This chapter aims to systematically summarize the benefits of lifestyle-based interventions for individuals with BD. Clinical trials involving at least one lifestyle behaviour targeting individuals with BD were included. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Twenty-six studies that met the selection criteria were identified. Of them, six focused on diet/nutrition interventions, eight on sleep management, six on substance use, and another six on multimodal lifestyle interventions. Overall, the available evidence is nonconclusive regarding the effectiveness of these strategies to improve mood-related and lifestyle-related outcomes among individuals with BD. Methodologically rigorous clinical trials assessing the efficacy of lifestyle interventions are warranted before recommending their implementation in clinical practice.