Overview
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been found by research to have a good outcome for patients with
bipolar disorder. A good treatment outcome refers to stability in mood, being equipped with cognitive and behavioural strategies that help a person become aware of and manage their symptoms more effectively, a decrease in the need for hospitalization, improved relationships and engagement in work, and an overall improvement in the patient’s quality of life. CBT not only helps the patient become aware of the warning signs of an oncoming episode, but also helps them understand and change their unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving. Family members of the patient with bipolar disorder can also benefit from engaging in CBT sessions as their loved one’s disorder can impact other members also psychologically, emotionally, and financially. Thus, CBT sessions can help family members learn ways to deal with the patient with bipolar disorder when they are suffering from a manic or depressive episode, learn more about the nature of the mood disorder and enhance empathy for the patient’s suffering, and find ways to engage in self-care and set boundaries so as not to be impacted negatively by their loved one’s behaviours when they are in an episode.