Psychological therapies

Psychological therapies with a role in managing bipolar disorder include:

• cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT)  can reduce the likelihood of relapse, reduce symptoms of depression and mania, and improve psychosocial functioning.
• family-focused therapy  involves family members in treatment when complex family issues and relationships may be contributing to the continued presence of symptoms or interfering with recovery.
• mindfulness-based cognitive therapy  can help the patient manage difficult thoughts and emotions associated with the disorder and its impact on their life.
• interpersonal and social rhythm therapy combines interpersonal psychotherapy (which links mood symptoms with the quality of interpersonal relationships) with a focus on ‘social rhythms’ or maintaining daily routines; this therapy can improve social functioning.