Individuals with bipolar disorder experience significant fluctuations in their mood including manic or hypomanic episodes (‘highs’) and depressive episodes (‘lows’). The term ‘bipolar’ refers to the way that mood can change between the two extremes. Different types of bipolar disorder are diagnosed depending upon which combination of mood states are experienced. Psychological approaches have been demonstrated to complement purely medical management of bipolar disorder (lam et al, 1999; Otto et al, 2009).
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To meet criteria for Bipolar I disorder an individual must have experienced at least one lifetime manic episode.
To meet criteria for Bipolar II disorder an individual must have experienced at least one hypomanic episode and one depressive episode; and must never have experienced a manic episode.
To meet criteria for cyclothymic disorder the individual must have experienced numerous sub-threshold episodes of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet full criteria for a hypomanic, manic, or depressive episode; have never met full criteria for a manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode; and experience cyclothymic periods most of the time.
a period of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that is abnormal for the individual
increased goal-directed activity or energy
increased self-esteem or grandiosity
decreased need for sleep
increased talkativeness, or pressure to keep talking
flight of ideas or the subjective experience that thoughts are racing
difficulty concentrating or distractibility
excessive reckless behavior
increased activity or physical restlessness
loss of social inhibitions resulting in inappropriate behavior
marked sexual energy/indiscretions
a period of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that is abnormal for the individual
persistently increased activity or energy
increased talkativeness or pressure to keep talking
difficulty concentrating or distractibility
decreased need for sleep
excessive reckless behavior
increase in activity or psychomotor agitation
inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
flight of ideas or the subjective experience that thoughts are racing
increased sociability or over-familiarity
increased sexual energy
depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
diminished interest in previously pleasurable activities
fatigue or loss of energy
sleep disturbance
feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach, or excessive guilt
diminished ability to think or concentrate
recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or suicidal behavior
changes in appetite, with corresponding weight change
psychomotor agitation or retardation
loss of confidence and self-esteem
psychoeducation
cognitive behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder
interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
family-focused therapy
mindfulness-based interventions
psychological models of bipolar disorder
information handouts for bipolar disorder
exercises for bipolar disorder
CBT worksheets for bipolar disorder
self-help programs for bipolar disorder
Lam, D. H., Jones, S. H., Hayward, P., & Bright, J. A. (1999). Cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: A therapist’s guide to concepts, methods, and practice. Malden, MA: Wiley.
Otto, M. W., Reilly-Harrington, N. A., Kogan, J. N., Henin, A., Knauz, R. O., & Sachs, G. S. (2009). Managing bipolar disorder: A cognitive-behavioral approach—therapist guide. New York: Oxford University Press.
Swartz, H. A., & Swanson, J. (2014). Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder in adults: A review of the evidence. Focus, 12(3), 251–266.