Introduction
A variety of treatment methods can be utilized for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder. However, for this particular article, the particular focus of treatment will be on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT. According to beckinstitute.org, “In CBT, the therapist and the client work together as a team to identify and solve problems. Therapists help clients overcome their difficulties by changing their thinking, behavior, and emotional responses.” Therefore, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on changing thinking, behavior, and emotions. This article will focus on the aim of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar patients, as well as list some Cognitive Behavioral techniques that can be utilized for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder.
What Is The Aim Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Individuals With Bipolar Disorder?
What does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy aim to do for individuals with Bipolar Disorder? According to scielo, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy aims to do the following for individuals with Bipolar Disorder:
1) To educate patients, family and friends about Bipolar Disorder, its treatment and difficulties associated with the disease
2) To help the patient take a more participating role in the treatment
3) To teach methods of monitoring occurrence, severity and course of the manic-depressive symptoms.
4) To facilitate compliance with the treatment
5) To offer nonpharmacological options for dealing with problematic thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
6) To help the patient control mild symptoms without the need to modify the medication.
7) To help the patient cope with stress factors which may either interfere with the treatment or precipitate manic or depressive episodes.
8) To encourage the patient to accept the illness
9) To reduce associated trauma and stigma.
10) To increase the protective effect of the family.
11) To teach strategies for dealing with problems, symptoms and difficulties.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Strategies: Monitoring Your Mood and Accepting Your Diagnosis
Two different Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques will be discussed in this section of this article. First, I will discuss what monitoring your mood is about. With Bipolar Disorder, it is common to experience phases of depression and mania. The purpose of this technique is to recognize how you are feeling, whether depressed or elevated. You can mark your emotions on a chart or piece of paper to better understand the changes in your mood. The second Cognitive Behavioral Technique used is Accepting Your Diagnosis. It is important to realize you are not alone, and the illness does not control you but rather the opposite.
Conclusion
This article has described the therapeutic technique known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a practical therapeutic technique that can be applied to the treatment of Bipolar Disorder.
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