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Psychological therapy for anxiety in bipolar spectrum disorders: a systematic review.

Clinical psychology review
February 1, 2015
Hannah J Stratford et al. (5 authors)
Journal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tReviewSystematic ReviewHuman Study
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (7)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Anxiety DisordersBipolar DisorderHumansPsychotherapy
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy50/10
Quality70/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations36
Citations/Year3.6
Relative Citation Ratio1.85
NIH Percentile72.1%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score1.68
Normalized Score0.54
Related Supplements
Psychological therapy for anxiety in bipolar spectrum disord... | Panacea Index