Empirically supported psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder: Current state of the research.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to critically review the evidence for the efficacy of manualized psychosocial interventions, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), for bipolar disorder.
Results Summary
MBCT demonstrated particular effectiveness in improving depressive and anxiety symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder. All psychotherapy interventions, including MBCT, were found to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms.
Population
Individuals with bipolar disorder
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
psychoeducation (PE) | decrease | depressive symptoms | patients with bipolar disorder | - | appear to be effective in reducing | #1 |
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) | decrease | depressive symptoms | patients with bipolar disorder | - | appear to be effective in reducing | #2 |
interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) | decrease | depressive symptoms | patients with bipolar disorder | - | appear to be effective in reducing | #3 |
dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) | decrease | depressive symptoms | patients with bipolar disorder | - | appear to be effective in reducing | #4 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | decrease | depressive symptoms | patients with bipolar disorder | - | appear to be effective in reducing | #5 |
family therapies such as family focused therapy (FFT) | decrease | depressive symptoms | patients with bipolar disorder | - | appear to be effective in reducing | #6 |
psychoeducation (PE) | increase | time to mood episode relapse or recurrence | patients with bipolar disorder | - | associated with increased | #7 |
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) | increase | time to mood episode relapse or recurrence | patients with bipolar disorder | - | associated with increased | #8 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | decrease | depressive symptoms | patients with bipolar disorder | - | has demonstrated a particular effectiveness in improving | #9 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | decrease | anxiety symptoms | patients with bipolar disorder | - | has demonstrated a particular effectiveness in improving | #10 |
OBJECTIVES: Bipolar disorder requires psychiatric medications, but even guideline-concordant treatment fails to bring many patients to remission or keep them euthymic. To address this gap, researchers have developed adjunctive psychotherapies. The purpose of this paper is to critically review the evidence for the efficacy of manualized psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder. METHODS: We conducted a search of the literature to examine recent (2007-present), randomized controlled studies of the following psychotherapy interventions for bipolar disorder: psychoeducation (PE), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and family therapies such as family focused therapy (FFT). RESULTS: All of the psychotherapy interventions appear to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms. Psychoeducation and CBT are associated with increased time to mood episode relapse or recurrence. MBCT has demonstrated a particular effectiveness in improving depressive and anxiety symptoms. Online psychotherapy interventions, programs combining one or more psychotherapy interventions, and targeted interventions centering on particular symptoms have been the focus of recent, randomized controlled studies in bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Psychotherapy interventions for the treatment of bipolar disorder have substantial evidence for efficacy. The next challenge will to disseminate these psychotherapies into the community.