Role of the psychotherapist in treatment of bipolar disorder
-By Timothy Lyons
The role of the psychotherapist in treatment of bipolar disorder is crucial. Though the primary front line treatment is usually medication, there are many other symptoms of the disorder that can be assuaged with the proper psychotherapeutic treatment. One key role of the psychotherapist is to educate the client to the issues that the patient is suffering. In the context of understanding this disorder it is very important for the treatment to include such knowledge of how the disease affects the patient and those around them. There is much to be said about client knowledge in the treatment of disorders and maintaining wellness (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013;Spitz, 2003). The role of the psychotherapist in treatment of bipolar disorder can also determine the extent that there may be biological issues that need to be treated. If you think you may have bipolar disorder there is a self-diagnosis exam that may help you determine your need for a qualified professional to assist you.
Another important aspect in the role of psychotherapist in the treatment of bipolar disorder is to differentiate between events which may trigger episodes such as reactive depression since 25-30% of those who suffer from grief end up needing psychological services and actual biological issues. Although this may not be able to be determined by the therapist, the therapist with the proper knowledge can make referrals.
The role of psychotherapist in the treatment of bipolar disorder can help the client deal with psychosocial pressures that affect depression in the bipolar sufferer. There are so many great therapeutic techniques that can assist the client who suffers. In the areas of depression and even mania, with the proper self-knowledge, a client who is armed with the proper tools from both behavioral and cognitive behavioral schools, can mediate the effects symptomatic episodes (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013;Spitz, 2003).
Another important position that coincides with therapeutic treatment is watching for issues with medication such as compliance or bad side effects. This is role of psychotherapist in the treatment of bipolar disorder and may be one of the most important roles. Dealing with the prescribers of medication to ensure that the client receives the proper medication and that the client is taking the medication is vital to treatment outcomes.
There are many short term therapeutic treatments that have been shown to be effective in the area of bipolar disorder (Sarron & Giachetti, 2012). There are techniques from both cognitive behavioral therapies as well as behavioral therapies that aid in the treatment of emotion dysregulation. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, and psychoeducation have been shown to be effective in the area of relapse prevention.
The main effect of psychotherapy is to have a symbiotic relationship as an adjunct to pharmacological interventions. That is to say that the role of psychotherapist in the treatment of bipolar disorder is to coordinate with and enhances any type of treatment that involves medication.
References
Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2013). Handbook of Clinical Pharmacology for Therapists (7 ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
Sarron, M., & Giachetti, R. (2012). Non pharmacological treatment for bipolar disorder. L’Encéphale, 38(14), 160-166.
Spitz, D. (2003). The Role of Psychotherapy in Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/459661