Music therapy in the early detection and indicated prevention in persons at risk of bipolar disorders: State of knowledge and potential

Bipolar disorders are among the most severe mental illnesses. The onset of the disorder is frequently preceded by phases with subsyndromal symptoms. In Germany, psychiatric early detection centres provide prevention services for help-seeking young people which focus on risk research. This article considers how music therapy contributes to the indicated prevention of bipolar disorders in preparation for a qualitative research study. The article presents a narrative literature review on research into early detection and prediction in bipolar disorders and approaches to prevention. The rationale for the use of music therapy in this context is discussed, with consideration of research questions leading to the next stage of the study.