Regardless of the rise in individuals facing bipolar disorder on a global scale, it has become harder for patients to find the right treatment. This problematic and complex mental health issue is very hard to manage. With its direct impact on their emotions, it negatively impacts the lives of the individuals and makes them dependent on medication to function properly.
According to a reputed specialist providing bipolar mood disorder treatment in Siliguri, cognitive behavioural therapy has become one of the major ways to support individuals. In this blog, we will be analysing and understanding CBT and how it helps in the management of bipolar disorder.
Understanding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Known to be one of the most effective therapy methods, CBT can be effective for treating a range of mental health problems. The therapy mostly involves talk therapy, during which the specialists help patients to understand their thinking patterns.
This allows the patients to look into their thoughts and also process their feelings and behaviours, which results in patients being able to navigate through complex situations and learn how to respond while controlling their disorder. By targeting the psycho-social functioning of the patients, therapists are also able to improve the coping ability of patients, which also makes them less prone to relapsing into unhealthy behavioural patterns.
CBT and Bipolar Depression
Fluctuations of emotions caused by bipolar disorder can cause people to feel extreme depression or manic depression. During this phase, people can feel intense sadness along with a loss of interest in everything they like. People can also experience sleeping disturbances and changes in appetite, along with extremely low energy.
According to bipolar treatment specialists, CBT can be very effective in treating this phase of bipolar disorder. Therapists usually focus on feelings such as hopelessness and guilt, which often control the perspective of life in individuals.
Managing Mania and Hypomania with CBT
CBT is also effective for maintaining the intensity of mania and hypomania. Mania refers to extreme elevation of mood and energy, which causes individuals to experience heightened irritability, anger or just excitement. CBT cannot be used directly to treat bipolar disorder.
However, therapists can help individuals manage their mania phase by recognising triggers and identifying major early signs. This also helps in the development of a perfect treatment plan, which can improve bipolar mood disorder treatment in Siliguri. Therapists are also able to provide treatment to patients who indulge in risky activities during the manic phase, such as overspending and substance abuse.
Long-Term Effectiveness and Relapse Prevention
Studies have found that when CBT is combined with meditation, it can help in lowering the severity and frequency of manic depressive and mania episodes. In the long run, through the use of CBT, bipolar treatment specialists can also help in the improvement of sleeping habits and strengthen the relationships of the patients while also improving their sleeping schedules.
Limitations of CBT in Bipolar Disorder
Now that we have discussed the effectiveness of the therapy, it is also important to note down its limitations. Here are some of the limitations associated with CBT for bipolar disorder.
- Patients who go through acute mania and are not in control of their concentration do not benefit from this treatment.
- CBT requires the patient to work on themself. This means that they would have to reflect and complete homework to get to know themselves better for recovery. This does not work for everyone.
- CBT is extremely effective only with patients who are relatively stable and can help specialists to navigate them through possible crisis moments in the future.
Conclusion
CBT is not a standalone solution for bipolar disorder, but it is undeniably a powerful tool in managing the condition. By helping individuals challenge destructive thoughts, improve coping strategies, and stay alert to early warning signs, CBT offers a valuable layer of support. If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, it is important to get bipolar mood disorder treatment in Siliguri for holistic recovery.
