An emerging body of evidence has linked the action of neurotrophins such as BDNF to the effect of mood stabilizers. Recent data suggests that BDNF is reduced both in depression and mania, and normalizes with treatment. In addition, mood stabilizers may increase dendrite growth and connectivity in brain tissue. These data suggest that the protection against new episodes should be considered as a means to decrease cognitive and functional damage in bipolar patients. Strategies tailored to improve the activity of neurotrophins may be considered as a potential target for novel interventions..