Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder

Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with prescription medications to help patients learn to cope with their bipolar disorder and lead healthy, functional lives. Although medication is the primary method of treatment for patients with bipolar disorder, psychotherapy—with its different techniques and approaches—can also be a useful tool in helping patients learn to enjoy life again.

The Different Approaches of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy may help bipolar patients to avoid recurring cycles and may help with patients who experience rapid cycle mood swings. Psychotherapy is designed to help patients understand the behaviors, ideas, and even the emotions that are central to their bipolar disorder. The therapy can also help patients to understand how certain events in their lives, like problems and changes, can contribute to their mental illness. Patients learn how these events may affect their bipolar disorder and learn how to interpret those effects. A qualified psychotherapist will help a patient with bipolar disorder learn problem-solving techniques and skills that are highly valuable to every day life. With these skills, patients can learn how to be functional while coping with their disorder.

There are several different approaches to psychotherapy, and the patient and her doctor should make the decision about which type of therapy would be most effective in treating the patient. The type chosen may vary depending on how often the mood swings occur and their severity. Patients may need individual psychotherapy, or they may benefit from group therapy, where they can share their experiences and gain support. There is also couples/marital therapy, as well as family therapy. These types of therapy can help the loved ones of a patient learn how to deal with bipolar disorder and learn what to expect from the condition.

The success of psychotherapy depends on the patient’s own participation. It’s important for the doctor and patient to set therapy goals that are within reach and for the patient to participate to the fullest in order to receive the greatest benefit. When used with medication, psychotherapy can be a great tool for treating bipolar disorder and for helping patients to learn more about themselves and how to cope with the illness.