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Updated: Jun 5, 2025
04:44
Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
209
Patient experiences of behavioural therapy for bipolar depression: A qualitative study
Sakir Yilmaz1,2, Anna Hancox3, Molly Price4
1Department of Psychology, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri, Turkey.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|December 10, 2024
Summary
Behavioral activation (BA) therapy for bipolar depression helps individuals change behaviors and perspectives, leading to improved mood and functioning. Participants found increased self-acceptance and mood state acceptance crucial for positive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Interventions
Background:
- Limited qualitative research exists on behavioral activation (BA) for bipolar depression.
- Understanding patient experiences of BA therapy can refine its underlying theory of change.
- This study addresses the gap by exploring BA experiences in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences and perspectives of individuals with bipolar disorder receiving one-to-one BA for bipolar depression.
- To investigate the proximal and distal effects of BA therapy as perceived by participants.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants diagnosed with bipolar I or II disorder.
- Participants had received up to 20 sessions of BA adapted for bipolar depression.
- Thematic analysis using a framework approach was employed to analyze interview data.
Main Results:
- Participant perspectives were categorized into four subthemes: in-session and out-of-session behavior changes, shifts in perspective, symptom impact, and effects on life and functioning.
- Reported impacts align with the theoretical underpinnings of behavioral approaches to depression.
- Key findings highlight the role of behavioral changes and perspective shifts in therapy outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Participant experiences broadly support the behavioral theory of change for BA in bipolar depression.
- Increased self-acceptance and acceptance of mood states were central to facilitating behavioral changes and broader benefits.
- Future research should incorporate quantitative measures of these key processes in clinical trials.
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