Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder characterized by manic attacks and depression attacks. Bipolar disorder, which is thought to occur as a result of genetic and various environmental factors, is a disease of unknown etiology. Although research comes to the fore by examining genetic factors in the formation of the disease, it is estimated that stressful living conditions and abuse of substances such as alcohol and drugs will also trigger the disease.
The fact that the majority of those infected with the disease are in the young-middle age group allows us to better understand the seriousness of the disease. Because in this period of their lives; In addition to the difficulty of balancing family life, social relationships and work life, people's struggle with this disorder causes them to fail in their struggle to establish their lives. In this context, talking about the benefits of treatments as well as the magnitude of the problem will enable us to understand the situation in the healthiest way.
In order to understand psychotherapy methods well, we must first understand the types of bipolar disorder. There are three types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar-1 Disorder: It is the most severe type of bipolar disorder in which manic attacks and depression attacks occur together. It turns out that the patient needs hospital treatment.
Bipolar-2 Disorder: It is a condition in which hypomania and depression attacks occur together.
Cyclothymic Disorder: It is a type of bipolar disorder in which hypomania and mild depression attacks occur together, which is difficult to recognize. Diagnosis can be made when hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms are observed for at least 2 years.
As can be understood from these three types, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be confused with the diagnosis of depression because it includes symptoms of depression. The main reason for this is that patients seek help not when they are overly enthusiastic and active, which are manic symptoms, but when they show symptoms of pessimism, sadness, and decrease in quality of life in the depression phase.
Finally, let's come to the most important part, the treatment methods for bipolar disorder.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Stress management, understanding negative attitudes, benefits against manic and depressive episodes It is a therapy method used to raise awareness. It also contributes to improving the quality of patients' social lives.
Psychoeducation: It is another psychotherapy method in which behavioral change in the patient is achieved through education. By providing information about the disease and treatment, it is aimed to ensure that the patient adapts to the treatment.
Family Therapy: As the name suggests, family therapy is a type of therapy performed with family members to strengthen family interaction and ensure recognition of the disease. In this therapy, the family is introduced to the definition and nature of bipolar disorder. Environmental and genetic risk factors and protective factors are mentioned. With this information, family conflicts that hinder treatment are eliminated and a supportive environment is established.
Interpersonal Relations Social Rhythm Therapy: It is a type of therapy that can be used in patients who have passed the disease denial stage. The main course of treatment occurs by intervening in daily routines.
To summarize, although the general course of bipolar disorder is serious and complex, pharmacology treatment and psychotherapy methods can be described as a power against the symptoms that seriously reduce the quality of life.
Read: 0
