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Cognitive Therapy for Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression

Approximately 2.3 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, according to 2003 records from Abbott Laboratories. Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, may lead victims to drug and alcohol abuse or even suicide. Cognitive therapy often is used to relieve some of the effects of this condition.

  1. Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression

    • Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a mental illness that can make even the smallest problem seem like the end of the world. A person with bipolar disorder enters into a seemingly inescapable cycle of negative thoughts that cause extreme emotional outbreaks such as periods of dismay or fits of rage.

    Cognitive Therapy

    • Cognitive therapy's goal is to calm an individual suffering from the negative effects of bipolar disorder by causing him to think his way out of depression. Proponents claim anyone can prevent and reverse depression.

    How it Works

    • A therapist instructs patients to recall the cause of the negative thoughts that led to the depression and instructs them to control irrationality. By recognizing these thoughts and stopping negativity before it begins, positive ideas can begin to replace the bad.

    History

    • The theory of cognitive therapy has been used for thousands of years, dating back to Buddha. Buddha taught his followers to monitor their thinking and learn to control negativity. Dr. Aaron Beck improved upon and introduced this theory to the modern mental health field.

    Success

    • While cognitive therapy may halt depression before it begins or can subside mild fits, it usually will not work by itself to cure depression. In the midst of an extreme fit, it may seem close to impossible to pull through. In this case, drugs or intensive therapy may be necessary.

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