Psychotherapeu c and Psychosocial Approaches in Bipolar Disorder: A Systema c Literature Review

Results: Fifty studies met the inclusion criteria where four types of interventions -psychoeducation, family focused, cognitive behavioral and interpersonal psychosocial rhythm therapywere studied. Twenty two of 24 original research papers were randomized controlled trials, 23 were reviews and 3 were meta analysis. In almost all studies psychotherapeutic approach was applied as adjunctive to pharmacotherapy. Group psychoeducation was more effective in preventing manic relapses, whereas cognitive behavioral and family focused therapies showed efficacy in preventing depressive episodes. Additional benefits on such secondary outcomes as medication compliance, number and duration of hospitalizations, time to recurrence were reported. Effects on functionality and quality of life were assessed rarely, but reported to be beneficial. Cultural adaptation studies are scarce and needs exploration.