Bipolar disorder, a condition often leaving individuals and their families feeling powerless, can lead to social isolation, academic or occupational challenges, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Modern treatment methods, however, offer effective relief. This article delves into the transformative power of psychotherapy in managing bipolar disorder.
Insights from an Expert While bipolar disorder cannot be cured, its symptoms can be alleviated through tailored treatments such as psychotherapy and medication. Just like depression, bipolar disorder requires both a long-term (often medication-based) treatment plan to prevent relapses and symptomatic treatment to mitigate manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes. The choice of medication is personalized and varies from one individual to another.
Josh Oftuo, a clinical psychologist, notes the complexity of diagnosing bipolar disorder, as patients often seek help during acute depressive phases, overlooking manic episodes where they are highly active.
Although medication can ease bipolar symptoms, psychotherapy offers a valuable alternative. Its benefits in treating bipolar disorder include:
Oftuo emphasizes the importance of psychological follow-up, providing crucial support and understanding for better living with the disorder.
Psychotherapy assists patients in recognizing and managing their symptoms through various therapeutic techniques like support therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, analytically inspired therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Therapy sessions can help:
Therapy fosters a deeper understanding of the disorder, aiding patients in acceptance and recognizing phases of depression or mania. Regular therapy sessions can result in a better grasp of the condition and the establishment of daily routines that act as mood stabilizers. Oftuo asserts the importance of accepting the illness and recognizing its phases.
During depressive cycles, managing symptoms can be challenging. Psychologists recommend coping strategies to navigate these periods. These strategies might include actions or thoughts to mitigate negative consequences of a situation. The therapist assists patients in choosing effective strategies that fulfill five needs: action, calmness, encouragement, social support, and protection.
Preventing Relapses Interpersonal therapy is effective in preventing relapses, which are often triggered by interpersonal situations during depressive or manic phases. Oftuo highlights the variability of patient responses to external events, intensifying the disorder. Therapy helps patients recognize warning signs and symptoms of a relapse.
Important Note: For some patients, psychiatric hospitalization might be necessary, especially if they pose a suicide risk or exhibit aggressive or severely disordered behavior during manic episodes.
Improving Interpersonal Relationships Bipolar disorder can strain interpersonal relationships due to mood swings. Therapy aids in understanding and accepting the illness, adjusting social rhythms, and re-syncing with societal timings.
Boosting Self-Esteem Self-esteem in bipolar patients fluctuates with their mood episodes. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help patients improve their self-perception and modify automatic negative thoughts, thus building new, positive beliefs.
Emotional Support Finally, psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, provides emotional support to patients, helping them adapt behaviors to reduce stress and modify mood-altering thought patterns. Oftuo views the psychologist as a mediator between the patient and their surroundings, enhancing comfort in living with the disorder. Support groups also offer a platform for sharing experiences and concerns.
