Types of Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
LeTherese Meadows
Liberty University
Abstract
Those who have worked with bipolar patients know that medications alone are not the answer. Research indicates that people who take medications for bipolar disorder are more likely to get better sooner and stay well if they also receive therapy. Therapy can teach you how to deal with problems your symptoms are causing, including relationship, work, and self-esteem issues. Therapy will also address any other problems you’re struggling with, such as substance abuse or anxiety.Research is cited throughout the paper to support the premises of the therapy.
Introduction
According to a recent study, patients who receive up to nine months of psychotherapy for bipolar disorder benefit more than patients who receive shorter-term treatment. “In a nationwide study of 293 patients at various medical centers, 163 patients were randomly assigned to receive either cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, or family therapy, in up to 30 50-minute sessions over the course of 9 months, the study indicated” (Anonymous, 2007).
History and Development of Counseling and Therapy
“Counseling is often perceived as but one step in a long process of gradual enlightenment and progress along the road to 'whole person medicine'" (Maynihan, 1993). Official associations, training programmes, publication of journals and books on the subject merely help to formalize and make sophisticated what has existed since the time of wise women, the magician or medicine man, the philosopher or priest. “Those who support 'whole person' medicine would have us believe that their 'traditional medical practice' is part of a 'natural' entity, existing in a 'natural world'” (Maynihan, 1993). This claim, however, reflects just as much the society at the time when it is so perceived as on any objective permanent reality.
“During the historical ascendancy of 'scientific medicine', the whole...