New therapy for bipolar disorder

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Treatment focusing on daily routines and relationships has been found helpful for people who have bipolar disorder.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have pioneered a new treatment for bipolar disorder called Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) which involves a focus upon keeping to a daily routine and maintaining stability in personal relationships. The therapy grew out of a realization that disruption to routine and relationship problems can often trigger an episode of mania or depression. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by swings between these two types of episode.

The study involved 175 individuals who were going through an acute episode. They were divided into four groups. One received IPSRT during both the acute phase and a two year maintenance phase. Another received a therapy called Intensive Clinical Management (ICM) treatment which is more focused upon the general causes, symptoms and treatments for bipolar disorder. The third group received IPSRT in the acute phase and ICM during the maintenance phase while a fourth group received the therapies the other way round. In general, those receiving IPSRT were more likely to remain well during the maintenance period. But those who had medical problems, such as diabetes, seemed to benefit more from ICM. All remained on their medication throughout the trial.

Source
Archives of General Psychiatry September 2005

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