Problem:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used as an adjunctive treatment to medication for persons with bipolar disorder in order to decrease recurrence rate and duration of mood episodes. However, recent meta-analyses show that these treatments have a limited effect on important aspects such as recurrence rate. Thus, new CBT strategies are needed to increase and enrich the impact of CBT. Since 2010 we have developed a new 12-session manual based on Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) for group-treatment of bipolar disorder and co-existing anxiety symptoms. The objective of the pilot-study was to gain knowledge about the needs of persons with bipolar disorder when it comes to treatment interventions and adjustments. Twenty-five adult patients with bipolar disorder were recruited from a specialist mental health service for affective disorders in Stockholm, Sweden. The treatment manual consisted of psychoeducation, mindfulness, identification of values, learning about emotions and how to handle them by acceptance based tasks. An open trial within-subject design was used for quantitative measures, which patients repeatedly self-assessed. Patients also participated in a semi-structured interview for a qualitative assessment of the treatment effects. Results and earned experiences from the pilot-study have led to a new CBT-model for bipolar disorder and a need to include an internet-mediated support system to enhance learning. Need Assignment Help?