Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) is a type of psychotherapy that assists individuals in altering their thoughts and emotions. For those living with bipolar disorder, CBT may be particularly beneficial since it reduces symptoms while improving overall well-being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy’s primary goal is to teach individuals how to correct their automatic and distorted thoughts that lead them to draw inaccurate conclusions about themselves or the world around them. Since these ideas can contribute to bipolar disorder symptoms, it’s essential that patients learn how to recognize these patterns of thought and replace them with more accurate ones.
Cognitive behavioral therapy comes in many forms, so it’s wise to consult your therapist about which one is most suitable for you. Some therapists offer individual or group sessions while others specialize in treating bipolar patients. When selecting a therapist, make sure they have experience using this approach and know what kind of results to expect from it.
Bipolar patients who are stable and able to express themselves verbally often benefit from this therapy. It can also be used for treating other disorders like depression or anxiety.
In this therapy, patients understand that their moods and behaviors are caused by changes in their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. They will also be taught how to modify automatic or distorted thoughts in order to alleviate symptoms and reduce medication dosage needed.
Bipolar disorder patients can benefit from group CBT sessions. This provides them with an opportunity to connect with others who share the same mental health condition.
Bipolar patients may benefit from MBCT, which is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy based on mindfulness and acceptance principles. The treatment consists of various techniques to promote awareness of one’s thought process such as meditation or yoga.
A meta-analysis of several trials that used CBT to treat patients with Bipolar Disorder found that the relapse rate decreased significantly after six months, though this effect faded by 12 months. Furthermore, this research demonstrated that CBT improved mania severity and depression level after treatment; however, these effects weren’t significant at other follow-up time-points.
This research suggests that CBT could be an effective addition to pharmacotherapy for those with BD, but more studies are necessary to confirm this. Furthermore, it’s possible that its effectiveness decreases as patients age; thus, it’s essential to remain patient and receive treatment until desired outcomes are achieved.
