efficacy of CBT: The chapter also cited the 1984 Cochran research study to prove that CBT may improve treatment adherence in bipolar disorder. It also cited studies by Murphy, Simons, Wetzel, & Lustman (1984); Rush, Beck, & Kovac (1977) to show that CBT to be effective in treating the physical, cognitive and behavioral symptoms associated with depression – short term as well as long term depression. These studies indicated that the onset of depression causes changes in a bipolar person’s way of thinking. These thought patterns are quickly displayed in behavioral changes (increase/decrease of activity) or social interactions. These behavioral/social interaction changes start to interfere with a person’s psychosocial interactions, which causes physical problems (insomnia, emotional distress). CBT helps by enhancing medication compliance and offering people cognitive and behavioral strategies for overcoming some of the symptoms that can lead to dysfunctional behavior.The methods that therapist can use to apply CBT Once a client has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, CBT as an intervention begins with an assessment of the client’s strengths. Then the therapist can introduce the client to CBT methods and intensive education about the illness, its symptoms, its course and available treatment (p. 23) not only to the client but to his/her family members as well. Once CBT begins, it is important to establish a collaborative relationship with the client that includes opportunities for the client to ask questions, to give suggestions and to even disagree with the therapist. It is also important that the therapist is able to support medication management by also collaborating with the client’s other health care providers (with the client’s written permission). How this chapter makes a unique contribution This chapter makes a unique contribution in that it would also be very useful to many different men...
