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Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Bipolar Disorder
Danielle M Novick1, Holly A Swartz1
1Outpatient Mood Disorders Clinic and Clinical Training Committee, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh (Novick); Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh (Swartz).
Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)
|February 13, 2020
Summary
Evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) combined with medication significantly improve outcomes for bipolar disorder. These treatments help manage lifelong consequences and reduce illness severity.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by mood fluctuations and functional impairment.
- Pharmacotherapy is a primary treatment, but adjunctive therapies may improve outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychotherapy for adults with bipolar disorder.
- To identify evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) that enhance treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of RCTs.
- Identification and synthesis of studies evaluating psychotherapy interventions for bipolar disorder.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence supports psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and peer support.
- Promising therapies include functional remediation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, illness management and recovery, and technology-assisted strategies.
- Psychotherapies plus pharmacotherapy showed consistent advantages over pharmacotherapy alone in hastening remission, delaying recurrence, and improving functioning.
Conclusions:
- Adjunctive EBPs are crucial for managing the persistent psychosocial, neurocognitive, and interpersonal challenges of bipolar disorder.
- These therapies equip individuals with essential coping skills for lifelong management.
- Further research is needed to enhance the effectiveness of EBPs for adults with bipolar disorder.
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