Recent publications have shown an important discrepancy between symptomatic and functional outcome in bipolar disorders, as early as after the first manic episode. While various predictors of poor outcome have been identified, there are suggestions that psychological factors may play an important role. The identification of psychological barriers to recovery appears of paramount importance and may be mediated by specific psychological interventions. In this symposium we will:
(i) explore outcome in a sample of first episode mania patients which indicates the role of psychological factors in failure to return to previous level of functioning;
(ii) present research outcomes on the importance of psychological therapy in early intervention for bipolar disorders; (
iii) describe recent developments in group therapy for bipolar disorders;
(iv) present a recently developed manualised psychological intervention specifically tailored to the needs of first episode mania patients.