Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition marked by extreme highs and lows in mood. Formerly called "manic depression," some of the symptoms of mania are: hyper behavior, excitability, talking rapidly, grandiose ideas of themselves and their abilities, and impulsiveness. The symptoms of depression are persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, lacks of energy and disinterest. Along with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to positively affect people with bipolar disorder.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on repairing the damage from repeated negative thought patterns and negative behaviors. If you have bipolar disorder and are considering or have been recommended using cognitive behavioral therapy, keep in mind that the process is most effective when combined with medication. CBT will focus on helping you, your family, your friends, and other loved ones cope with and understand the symptoms of bipolar disorder. For example, if your sudden manic episodes cause you to spend recklessly or behave in a dangerous fashion, it is helpful for those you love to understand why. This understanding can help reduce the complications of having a condition which may cause you to act in an uncontrollable or disruptive manner. The American Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy also suggests that CBT can help you determine when a manic or depressed episode is building. Knowing your triggers--those thought patterns and behaviors that indicate the onset of mania or depression--can also help you prepare yourself and those around you for your moods and behaviors.

Application

• The length of time that you are involved in CBT will depend on what you're comfortable with and feel you need and what your mental health professional suggests. Because CBT is a part of a wide variety of psychoanalytical therapies, you will normally be in a private, secluded place with your therapist (usually the therapist's office) and you will discuss your symptoms and challenges. Your therapist will discuss with you how your behaviors and mood are affecting your life and the lives of those around you. CBT is also most helpful when you take the information given to you by your therapist seriously. Re-framing negative thoughts about yourself and your condition will take time, but eventually you will grow comfortable with challenging your negative thoughts, and controlling your behaviors.

Considerations

• According to the article, "Bipolar Disorder Treatment--Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" by Rashmi Nemade, Ph.D. and Mark Dombeck, Ph.D., CBT is most effective when you're feeling relatively stable, are on an effective medication and are taking it properly, and if you have the self-awareness and communication skills to accurately analyze and discuss your condition. Initially, you may have some fears about sharing your thoughts and feelings with a complete stranger, however, your therapist is there to help you and to help you and those around you live fuller, more fulfilling lives.