Login
Account
Log Out
Image
JOIN
CEs

DIAGNOSIS: Bipolar Disorder
TREATMENT: Psychoeducation for Bipolar Disorder

Find a Therapist specializing in Psychoeducation for Bipolar DisorderList your practice

Brief Summary

Psychoeducation for Bipolar Disorder

Status: Strong Research Support for mania and Modest Research Support for depression

Description

Psychoeducation treatment involves providing patients with information about bipolar disorder and its treatment, with a primary goal being to improve adherence to pharmacological treatment by helping patients understand the biological roots of the disorder and the rationale for pharmacological treatments. Patients are also taught the early warning signs for episodes, and common triggers for symptoms. Psychoeducation interventions are typically—but not always—held in group format. The best tested approach consists of 21 group sessions (Colom & Vieta, 2006).

 

Key References (in reverse chronological order)

  • Colom, F., Vieta, E., Sanchez-Moreno, J., Martinez-Aran, A., Reinares, M., Goikolea, J. M., & Scott, J. (2005). Stabilizing the stabilizer: group psychoeducation enhances the stability of serum lithium levels. Bipolar Disorders, 7, 32-36.
  • Colom, F., Vieta, E., Martinez-Aran, A., Reinares, M., Goikolea, J. M., Benabarre, A., et al. (2003). A randomized trial on the efficacy of group psychoeducation in the prophylaxis of recurrences in bipolar patients whose disease is in remission. Archives of Gen Psychiatry, 60, 402-407.
  • Colom, F., Vieta, E., Reinares, M., Martinez-Aran, A., Torrent, C., Goikolea, J. M., & Gasto, C. (2003). Psychoeducation efficacy in bipolar disorders: beyond compliance enhancement. J Clin Psychiatry, 64, 1101-1105.
  • Perry, A., Tarrier, N., Morriss, R., McCarthy, E., & Limb, K. (1999). Randomised controlled trial of efficacy of teaching patients with bipolar disorder to identify early symptoms of relapse and obtain treatment. British Medical Journal, 318, 149-53.
 

Clinical Resources

  • Colom, F., & Vieta, E. (2006). Psychoeducation manual for bipolar disorder. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
  • American Psychiatric Association (2002). Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder (revision). American Journal of Psychiatry, 159(4 Suppl), 1-50.

Treatment Resources

Note: The resources provided below are intended to supplement not replace foundational training in mental health treatment and evidence-based practice

Treatment Manuals Training Resources Measures, Handouts and Worksheets Self-help Books Smartphone Apps Video Demonstrations Video Descriptions Clinical Trials Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews Other Treatment Resources