Cognitive-behavior therapy for Bipolar I disorder

Although Bipolar I disorder has traditionally been considered a biological illness requiring a biological intervention, research on the course of the illness and the process of treatment suggest that pharmacotherapy alone is insufficient in controlling the symptoms of this disorder. Symptoms include limited patient understanding of the illness and its treatment, poor medication compliance, symptom breakthrough despite good compliance, and impairment in psychosocial functioning. To address these problem areas, a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol was developed as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy, with its goal being not only to help remediate symptoms but to arm the patient with the tools that will aid the prevention of relapse. This paper provides a rationale for CBT as a treatment modality in Bipolar I disorder as well as a description of the treatment methods. Preliminary data describing the feasibility of the intervention will be provided along with a case report and suggestions for implementation of the protocol in a general practice setting.