Types of Therapy
Psychotherapy, also called "talk therapy," plays a key role in treating bipolar disorder. Talk therapy alone can't cure the illness. But studies show that it helps to stabilize moods, improve quality of life and prevent hospitalizations. It also helps people build supportive relationships and avoid relapse.
Therapy consists of regular visits with a mental health professional, usually a psychiatrist or psychologist. Most people see their therapist once a week for about an hour. Others may benefit from more frequent visits. Therapy may be one-on-one, include the whole family, or a couple. The following types of therapy have proven to be especially useful to people with bipolar disorder:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy works on changing the negative mental habits caused by bipolar disorder. People learn techniques for replacing distorted thoughts with more accurate perceptions.
Family therapy consists of a group discussion between a therapist and family members. It helps diminish stress within the family, which can in turn help prevent relapse. A therapist can also teach family members to spot the early signs of relapse.
Interpersonal therapy helps people develop better communication skills so that their relationships improve. It also helps people with bipolar disorder develop healthy routines. Regular sleep and eating habits can help delay manic episodes, for example.
Psychoeducation teaches people with bipolar disorder about their illness. This helps them refine their treatment and recognize the early signs of relapse.
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