Psychological therapy for anxiety in bipolar spectrum disorders: a systematic review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for reducing anxiety symptoms in adults with bipolar spectrum disorders (BPSD).
Results Summary
The data for MBCT appears equivocal, meaning the results are inconclusive or mixed regarding its effectiveness in reducing anxiety in BPSD.
Population
Adults with bipolar spectrum disorders (bipolar I, II, not otherwise specified, cyclothymia, and rapid cycling disorders).
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not available
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT] for BPSD incorporating an anxiety component | decrease | anxiety symptoms | cyclothymia, "refractory" and rapid cycling BPSD | - | reduces | #1 |
standard bipolar treatments | no change | anxiety | adults with BPSD | - | have only a modest effect | #2 |
CBT for post-traumatic stress disorder and generalised anxiety disorder | decrease | anxiety in BPSD | adults with BPSD | - | promising | #3 |
Psychoeducation alone | no change | anxiety | adults with BPSD | - | does not appear to reduce | #4 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy [MBCT] | no change | anxiety in BPSD | adults with BPSD | - | appear equivocal | #5 |
CBT during euthymic phases | increase | effectiveness for anxiety in BPSD | adults with BPSD | - | has the greatest weight of evidence | #6 |
psychological therapy | no change | safety and acceptability | adults with BPSD | - | appears acceptable and safe | #7 |
Comorbid anxiety is common in bipolar spectrum disorders [BPSD], and is associated with poor outcomes. Its clinical relevance is highlighted by the "anxious distress specifier" in the revised criteria for Bipolar Disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition [DSM-5]. This article reviews evidence for the effectiveness of psychological therapy for anxiety in adults with BPSD (bipolar I, II, not otherwise specified, cyclothymia, and rapid cycling disorders). A systematic search yielded 22 treatment studies that included an anxiety-related outcome measure. Cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT] for BPSD incorporating an anxiety component reduces anxiety symptoms in cyclothymia, "refractory" and rapid cycling BPSD, whereas standard bipolar treatments have only a modest effect on anxiety. Preliminary evidence is promising for CBT for post-traumatic stress disorder and generalised anxiety disorder in BPSD. Psychoeducation alone does not appear to reduce anxiety, and data for mindfulness-based cognitive therapy [MBCT] appear equivocal. CBT during euthymic phases has the greatest weight of evidence. Where reported, psychological therapy appears acceptable and safe, but more systematic collection and reporting of safety and acceptability information is needed. Development of psychological models and treatment protocols for anxiety in BPSD may help improve outcomes.