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What Is Therapy for Bipolar Disorder?
Group psychoeducation and peer-support programs are also useful therapies for bipolar disorder.
There is no cure for bipolar disorderits something you must manage throughout your life.
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As such, people with bipolar disorder need to be on medication through the duration of their lifetime.
Lets take a look at what each kind of therapy for bipolar offers.
CBT is considered the most effective key in of psychotherapy for bipolar disorder.
Education is a vital part of living with bipolar disorder and keeping symptoms under control.
Family-Focused Therapy (FFT)
Bipolar disorder can affect the whole family unit.
InFFT, both you and your family members or spouses are included in therapy sessions.
Communication and conflict resolution skills are also addressed.
Support may be one-on-one, or may happen in larger groups.
Peer support is often considered a maintenance treatment for people with bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder differ depending on whether you are experiencing a manic or depressive episode.
In particular, therapy for bipolar disorder can do a few specific things to keep symptoms in check.
It can also help people learn the skills necessary to manage their symptoms and maintain healthy relationships.
It also improves daily functioning and overall well being.
Effectiveness
There is not a lot of published data on the effectiveness of therapy for bipolar disorder.
But a 2020- systematic review published inJAMA Psychiatryoffers some answers.
Study researchers analyzed 39 trials that included a total of 3,863 people diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Additionally, they found that group or family psychoeducation was more successful than individual psychoeducation.
How to Get Started
After receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis, its common to feel overwhelmed.
If you have health insurance, you could get a list of providers from your insurance companies.
But youll want to vet the providers to confirm they have experience with bipolar disorder.
You might consider asking a friend or family member to help you research.
These organizations have listings of local providers who specialize in bipolar disorder.
once you nail found a few therapists, you’ve got the option to start making appointments.
Thats normal and OK. Dont give up if the first therapist you meet isnt right for you.
The bottom line is that you deserve support as you live with bipolar disorder.
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Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.
Miklowitz DJ.Different Types of Therapy for Bipolar Disorder.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bipolar Relationships: What to Expect.
National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar Disorder.
Swartz HA, Swanson J.Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder in Adults: A Review of the Evidence.
Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing).
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