For many years, psychotherapy for bipolar disorder was not considered an effective treatment because of the nature of the disorder. It was thought that manic episodes were very disruptive in therapy sessions, particularly in group therapy, and depressive moods caused primitive transferences, provocation of conflict (particularly in a group setting), primitive regression, intense denial, vulnerability to frustration, and problematic interpersonal styles.
For this reason, treatment for bipolar disorder has relied heavily on the use of medications. A number of drug types have been tried, including tricyclics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and lithium. The tricyclic antidepressants cause many unwanted side effects, which include nausea, headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness. They can also interact with other medications the patient is taking with serious consequences. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors also cause many unwanted side effects, including sexual dysfunction, and can interact with other medications.
Lithium has proven very effective in treating bipolar disorder through mood-stabilization, and is often used in combination with either tricyclics or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. There are differing opinions on its effectiveness, however. Some researchers find that bipolar patients become nonresponsive to lithium if the discontinue the medication for a period of time, while other doubt its efficacy at all. Patient nonadherence to a drug regimen is also a problem with bipolar patients.
Recently, psychotherapy is gaining favor as a treatment option for bipolar patients, particularly when combined with a medication regimen. Group psychotherapy is also showing promise when combined with medication. This paper will examine the causes and treatments of bipolar disorder, looking at the pros and cons of the various treatment options available.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by ex...