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Published Online: 18 July 2019

Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Bipolar Disorder

Publication: FOCUS, A Journal of the American Psychiatric Association

Abstract

This literature review focuses on randomized controlled trials of psychotherapy for bipolar disorder. Evidence-based psychotherapies are shown to play an important role in the development of skills needed to manage the persistent and lifelong consequences of bipolar disorder.

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is a recurrent psychiatric disorder marked by waxing and waning affective symptoms and impairment in functioning. Some of the morbidity and mortality associated with the illness may be reduced with evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) along with pharmacotherapy. To enhance clinicians’ understanding of which therapy modalities have evidence supporting their use, the authors conducted a systematic literature review to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychotherapy for adults with bipolar disorder. A strong evidence base exists for psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and peer-support programs. Promising modalities include functional remediation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, illness management and recovery, and technology-assisted strategies. RCTs demonstrate a consistent advantage of these psychotherapies plus pharmacotherapy, compared with the use of pharmacotherapy alone. Adjunctive EBPs hasten time to remission, delay time to recurrence, and improve functional outcomes. EBPs play an important role in helping individuals develop skills needed to manage the persistent and lifelong psychosocial, neurocognitive, vocational, and interpersonal consequences of bipolar disorder. Continued efforts to improve the effectiveness of EBPs for adults with bipolar disorder are warranted.

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Published In

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FOCUS, A Journal of the American Psychiatric Association
Pages: 238 - 248

History

Published in print: Summer 2019
Published online: 18 July 2019

Keywords

  1. Mood Disorders-Bipolar
  2. Psychotherapy
  3. cognitive-behavioral therapy
  4. interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
  5. psychoeducation

Authors

Details

Danielle M. Novick, Ph.D.
Outpatient Mood Disorders Clinic and Clinical Training Committee, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh (Novick); Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh (Swartz).
Holly A. Swartz, M.D. [email protected]
Outpatient Mood Disorders Clinic and Clinical Training Committee, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh (Novick); Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh (Swartz).

Notes

Send correspondence to Dr. Swartz ([email protected]).

Funding Information

Dr. Novick reports no financial relationships with commercial interests. Dr. Swartz has received consulting fees from Otsuka and Myriad Genetics, grant support from Myriad Genetics, royalties from UpToDate, and an editorial stipend from American Psychiatric Association Publishing for her role as editor of the American Journal of Psychotherapy.

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