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In addition to medication, psychosocial treatments (psychotherapy and counseling) are helpful in providing support, education, and guidance to you and your family. If medications and psychosocial treatments are not effective, you also have the option of electroconvulsive therapy.
Psychosocial Treatments
Studies have shown that psychosocial interventions can lead to increased mood stability, fewer hospitalizations, and improved functioning in several areas. A licensed psychologist, social worker, or counselor typically provides these therapies and often works with your psychiatrist to monitor your progress. The number, frequency, and type of sessions should be based on your individual treatment needs.
Psychosocial interventions commonly used for bipolar disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy , psychoeducation, family therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you learn to change inappropriate or negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with bipolar disorder. You will examine your feelings and thought patterns, learn to interpret them in a more realistic way, and apply coping techniques to various situations.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation involves teaching you about your illness and its treatment. You will learn how to recognize signs of relapse so that early intervention can be sought before a full-blown illness episode occurs. Psychoeducation also may be helpful for your family members.
Family Therapy
Family therapy uses strategies to reduce the level of distress within your family that may either contribute to or result from your symptoms.
Family-focused therapy is for you and all family members who will participate. It includes psychoeducation and teaches you better communication and problem-solving skills.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy helps you to improve interpersonal relationships and to stabilize your daily routines. Regular daily routines and sleep schedules may help protect against manic episodes.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
In situations where medication, psychosocial treatment, and the combination of these interventions prove ineffective, or work too slowly to relieve severe symptoms (such as psychosis or suicidal behavior), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered. ECT may also be considered to treat acute episodes when medical conditions, including pregnancy, make the use of medications too risky.
ECT is a highly effective treatment for severe depressive, manic, and/or mixed episodes. The possibility of long-lasting memory problems, although a concern in the past, has been significantly reduced with modern ECT techniques. However, you should discuss the potential benefits and risks of ECT with your doctor and with family or friends.
Hospitalization is not required for ECT. If you are to receive ECT, you will be given a muscle relaxant and anesthetic and be carefully monitored throughout the procedure. A small amount of electric current will be sent to your brain. You may receive a number of these treatments over the course of several days, weeks, or months, depending on your condition.
Side effects of ECT may include:
References:
Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-publication.shtml . Updated April 2008. Accessed June 21, 2008.
Carson RC, Butcher JN. Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life . 11th ed. New York, NY: Allyn and Bacon; 2000.
Hirschfeld RMA. Guideline Watch: Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Bipolar Disorder . 2nd ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2005.
Last reviewed June 2008 by Janet H. Greenhut, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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