Psychotherapy for bipolar disorders - efficacy and effectiveness.

Abstract

This paper explores the development of psychological treatments as an adjunct to medication in bipolar disorders. Randomized controlled treatment trials of specific therapy models, such as cognitive therapy, that tackle a spectrum of complex psychological and social problems associated with bipolar disorders are reviewed. A systematic review of the most recent treatment outcome studies suggest that adjunctive psychological therapies reduce overall rates of relapse, but are more effective for depression than for mania. There is no evidence that any particular therapy has a unique mechanism of action or any specific advantages over any other approach. Finally, it is suggested that gaps in the theory and available evidence for effectiveness need to be addressed if we are to enable clinicians to target psychological therapies towards those individuals with bipolar disorder who are most likely to benefit.

• Authors: Jan Scott
• Journal: Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) (J Psychopharmacol) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Suppl Pg. 46-50 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 0269-8811 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16551672 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Review, Systematic Review)

Chemical References

• Antimanic Agents

Topics

• Antimanic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Bipolar Disorder (diagnosis, psychology, therapy)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Patient Compliance (psychology)
• Psychotherapy
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Secondary Prevention
• Treatment Outcome