Abstract
Although pharmacotherapy is essential component of bipolar disorder treatment, specific forms of psychotherapy are also critical components of the treatment plan for many patients. Some studies have suggested that cognitive behavioral therapy may be useful when added to pharmacotherapy during depressive episodes in patients with BP.
Also during maintenance phase of the treatment patients with BP are likely to benefit from a concomitant psychotherapy. The identification of early prodromal signs or symptoms can help the patient enhance mastery over his illness and can help ensure that adequate treatment is institued as early as possible in the course of an episode.
Patients receiving psychoeducation experienced a significant reduction in risk of manic relapses as well as improved social and vocational functioning. Patients with bipolar disorder may also benefit from regular pattern of daily activities, including sleeping, eating, physical activity, and social and emotional stimulation.
It is important to recognize distress or dysfunction in the family of a patient with BP. The cognitive style will influence why individuals choose to stop their medication, what unique causal attributions they make about any prodromal symptoms they experience and how they cope with the early warning signs of impending relapse.