Therapeutic Methods For Bipolar Disorder

A number of therapeutic approaches are available to treat bipolar disorder. Traditional cognitive therapy, sometimes refered to as talk therapy, is still widely used. However, new therapeutic approaches stress the importance of changes in behavior and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. People with bipolar disorder must decide what therapy will be most beneficial to them.

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), developed by Dr. Ellen Frank and colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh, is based on the idea that disruptions in daily routines and difficulties in relationships can trigger manic and depressive episodes. Research suggests that maintaining a regular schedule of daily activities and stability in personal relationships is an effective therapy for bipolar disorder. With Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, therapists help patients understand how changes in daily routines and the quality of their relationships and their social roles, such as a parent or spouse, can affect their moods. After identifying situations that can trigger mania or depression, therapists teach the individuals how to better manage stressful events and better maintain positive relationships.

Some people prefer to seek help for mental health problems from their pastor, rabbi, or priest rather than from therapists who are not affiliated with a religious community. Pastoral counseling focuses on building up the person spiritually and seeking guidance and strength from God to deal with the individual’s stressors and illness. Counselors working within traditional faith communities increasingly are recognizing the need to incorporate psychotherapy and medication, along with prayer and spirituality, to effectively help some people with bipolar disorder as well as those with other mental illnesses.

People with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder often feel that they have no control over their own rhythms. Many psychiatric professionals believe behavioral change needs to be part of a medication and therapy regimen. "Pacing" is a tool for regaining a sense of control and learning that a "process" view of life can be creative and satisfying. Many people with bipolar disorder have difficulty shifting their pace or changing focus. There is a sense of being powerless over the upswing and downswing of the episode they are experiencing. There is a need to find other paces and the different focus levels that exist rather than these extremes. People with bipolar disorder need to learn how to gently shift from one focus area to another and to change pace when they want to. Pacing involves learning to look at different levels of focus, such as inner focus vs. the big picture, and different paces, such as slow pace, moderate pace, and rapid pace.

Art Therapy refers to the therapeutic use of creating art by people who experience physical or emotional illness, trauma, or challenges to living, and by people who seek personal development. Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and psychotherapy. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, individuals can increase their awareness of self and others, resolve emotional issues in a safe way, and enhance their creative and cognitive abilities. They can find new ways to cope with their symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences, as well as to enjoy the life affirming pleasures of making art.

Next article: Alternative Treatments For Bipolar Disorder