CBT for Bipolar Disorder in London
CBT for Bipolar Disorder in London.
Cognitive behaviour therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can help to handle bipolar disorders. Psychotherapy may require an interaction with a therapist on an individual basis. In addition, it may also require group sessions involving the therapist and others with related problems. While many methods exist, they all involve helping patients handle their thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
Bipolar a type of disorder where there are extreme shifts of moods. One is the elevated mood called mania, and the other is major depression. As a result, people suffering from this disorder can feel difficulty in dealing with daily life activities. There are several treatments available for this scenario. Among those treatments, CBT is the best.
How does Cognitive Behaviour Therapy work for Bipolar Disorder?
Usually, a mixture of medication and talk therapy is the gold standard treatment for bipolar disorder. Firstly, CBT is one of psychotherapy's most prevalent kinds. Secondly, there are a range of reasons to receive CBT for Bipolar, including: Handling emotional illness signs. Preventing activities that may cause the diseases to recur. Learning efficient methods to manage feelings and stress.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterised by the occurrence of episodes of mania or hypo mania and episodes of depression. To meet diagnostic criteria for bipolar 1 disorder, at least one manic episode must have occurred. To clarify, a manic episode is defined as: Persistently elevated or irritable mood. And persistently increased goal-directed energy for at least 1 week. This must last for most of the day and be present almost every day. During this period, 3 or more of the following must be exhibited: Inflated self-esteem. Decreased need for sleep. Pressure of speech. Racing thoughts. Distractibility. Increased goal-directed activity. Excessive involvement in risky activities.
To meet diagnostic criteria for bipolar II disorder, one or both episodes of both hypomania and depression must have occurred. To clarify, no manic episodes are required for a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder. On the other hand, hypomania is defined as a lesser degree of mania, with a persistent mild elevation of mood.
How can CBT help with Bipolar Disorder?
For treating bipolar disorder, CBT is the best choice because it teaches an individual to know what is happening with them and how they can sort it on their own. By focusing on the emotions and thoughts leading to such behaviour, the client learns to challenge and change the flawed thoughts.
According to NICE, the techniques used in CBT for treating bipolar disorders are the best ones. They include monitoring the moods, accepting the diagnosis, cognitive reconstructing, problem-solving, enhancing social skills, and routine stabilisation.
When is the right time to seek CBT for Bipolar Disorder?
If you experience the following symptoms for more than 3 weeks, it is time to seek CBT:
- Drug usage.
- Unprotected sex.
- Spending spree.
- Deep sadness.
- Loss of energy.
- Hopelessness.
- Lack of interest in daily activities.
How long does CBT for Bipolar Disorder usually last for?
The management plan in CBT includes identifying the problem first and making the client accept that. Secondly, the thoughts and behaviour of the client are examined and analysed. Thirdly, and most importantly, the negative stimulus is spotted and replaced. Mostly, the client learns to control the actions every time the episode happens. Depending on the intensity of the disorder, it might take up to 20 sessions.
How does a person develop Bipolar Disorder?
Risk factors
Factors that may increase the likelihood that bipolar disorder will develop may include: Early exposure to stressful or traumatic event. Witnessing a parent with similar difficulties. Substance use. Previous difficulties with anxiety or other mental health difficulties.
Precipitating factors
Factors associated with the definitive onset of bipolar disorder may include: Stressful life events, such as moving house, new jobs, interpersonal conflict or relationship breakdowns.
Perpetuating factors
Perpetuating factors include unhelpful coping strategies such as engagement in risky behaviours, disrupted sleep patterns, isolating self from family or friends, substance use, avoiding activities such as work.
Protective actors
Protective factors include: support from family and friends, regular bedtime routine and exercise regime, development of healthy coping strategies.
CBT Treatment in London - How we understand Bipolar Disorder.
Here is a brief introduction to the CBT ideas and skills that can be helpful in improving Bipolar Disorder. This will help you understand bipolar and how to address it even at difficult times in the your lives.
Below is an example of how a CBT for bipolar disorder may look in brief:
Derek has started a new job in a new area of town he is unfamiliar with. This change in routine has led to sleepless nights. As a result, Derek has started having a drink before bed to help him to get to sleep. This has led to difficulties concentrating the next day at work. Hence, Derek worries that his difficulties concentrating will get him in trouble with his boss. As a result, Derek experiences racing thoughts that his boss will fire him and starts to drink more.
This can be understood within a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy framework as follows:
Precipitating factors
Factors associated with the definitive onset of bipolar disorder: Derek’s new job may have been a trigger for him experiencing stress and disrupting his sleep routine as a result.
Perpetuating factors
Factors that maintain the problem once it has become established: Derek’s sleep disruption is a perpetuating factors as this maintains his stress and impairs his concentration. Derek’s use of alcohol is also a perpetuating factor as this also impacts negatively on his mood and impairs his work production. Derek’s negative automatic thoughts are further perpetuating factors as these keep him up at night and make him feel stressed.
Protective factors
Derek wants to keep his new job and wants to do well. It sounds like Derek previously had a regular sleep routine.
A CBT Therapist may work with Derek to help him find strategies to get back to a healthy sleep routine; manage his alcohol intake; recognise his thoughts, feelings and behaviours; challenge his negative thoughts; regulate his feelings in a healthier way. call us for CBT for Bipolar Disorder in London.