Bipolar Disorder Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, is a mood disorder characterized by periods of depression as well as manic episodes. During a manic period, an individual may experience racing thoughts, excessive energy, lack of sleep, irritability and an inability to sit still. In addition to being very disruptive to daily life, bipolar disorder can be difficult to treat. Recently, cognitive behavior therapy has emerged as a desirable treatment choice for patients looking for a way to minimize symptoms, cope with stress and develop new coping skills.

Even with medications, studies have shown that individuals suffering from bipolar disorder face a significant risk of relapse. While medication is often an important part of the treatment process, cognitive behavior therapy can assist patients in dealing with the negative thoughts that can worsen depression and cope with the feelings that arise from bipolar disorder.

How Can Cognitive Behavior Therapy Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Individuals suffering from bipolar disorder may often find themselves thinking negative, destructive or depressing thoughts. Such feelings can later manifest themselves in the forms of anxiety, stress, irritability and lowered self-esteem. While cognitive behavior therapy by no means suggests that people can simply think themselves out of depression, it does offer hope for individuals looking to minimize painful symptoms and cope with the day-to-day stress of their condition.

After characteristics mood shifts from depression to mania have been managed with mood stabilizing drugs, many doctors recommend that patients try additional therapeutic treatments. Studies have demonstrated that utilizing some type of psychosocial therapy in addition to standard pharmacological treatments can help stabilize mood, improve social functioning and minimize hospitalizations.

How Does Cognitive Behavior Therapy Work?

A cognitive behavior therapist may begin by talking with the patient about an experience that created stress, anxiety or anger. After describing the situation in great detail, the patient will then be asked to carefully analyze their thoughts and feelings before, during and after the incident. This type of introspection can be challenging, mostly because the patient must articulate many of the distorted or faulty emotions that contributed to the event.

Working with the therapist, the patient will learn to identify these skewed perceptions and replace such thoughts with more positive and constructive ones. Eventually, the patient will also begin rehearsing or practicing their reactions in certain stress-provoking situations. While it takes considerable commitment on the part of the patient, the rewards are well worth the investment of time and energy.

While cognitive behavior therapy is not a cure-all, it can be part of an effective treatment plan for bipolar disorder. By finding a skilled and qualified therapist, patients can discover new ways to cope with the painful symptoms of this mood disorder.