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Emerging Pharmacotherapies for Mania and Bipolar Disorder: A Neuropharmacological Perspective

SHIVAM KUMAR JHOOMUCK^*
GITAM School of Pharmacy, GITAM (Deemed to be University)
ajhshiv00@gmail.com
Gandhi Nagar, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam - 530045, Andhra Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a recurrent and chronic mental condition characterised by episodic mood switching between mania, hypomania, and depression. Despite the available treatment with mood stabilisers and atypical antipsychotics, most patients are poorly responsive, experience delayed therapeutic effects, and suffer from severe side effects. Recent advances in the field of neuropharmacology have identified new therapeutic targets and drugs that aim to improve efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of bipolar disorder, particularly in manic episodes. This review focuses on new pharmacological interventions in bipolar disorder from a neuropharmacological perspective, such as dopamine and serotonin modulators, glutamatergic system modulators, and anti-inflammatory agents, such as minocycline and N-acetylcysteine. Further, the involvement of endocannabinoid modulators, gut-brain axis-targeting and the growing contribution of pharmacogenomics towards personalising the treatment approach to bipolar disorder is discussed. These developments represent a transition towards mechanism-based, individualised treatment approaches in bipolar disorder. Such studies are needed to define the long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal use of these novel agents, which have the potential to significantly enhance clinical outcomes in this complex disorder.

KEYWORDS: Neuropharmacology, Bipolar Disorder, Mania, Mood Stabilisers, Pharmacogenomics