Reading “An Unquiet Mind” by Dr. Kay Jamison was both an emotionally captivating and educational experience. Dr. Jamison is a clinical psychologist who has paved a deep path for the study and understanding of manic depressive disorder (Bipolar disorder). Kay Jamison suffers from bipolar disorder, this has given her an excellent understanding of the symptoms and treatment necessary to manage bipolar disorder. Although many treatment approaches are available not all are worth considering or will be effective at treating bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder is marked by episodes of mania and depression(notes). The episodes can range from mild to severe and can have a profound impact on the individual and their social network. The case of Dr.…show more content… Ultimately this turned out to be the most effective treatment for her. To gain a better understanding as to why lithium combined with psychotherapy is most effective in this case I will review individual pharmacological and psychotherapioes, their strengths, weaknesses, and discuss which treatment I would prescribe if I was treating Kay Jamison. The current treatment options for Bipolar vary depending on the severity and type of bipolar disorder one is diagnosed with. The treatments are: pharmacotherapy (Lithium), anticonvulsants, anti-psychotics and different forms of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves four approaches, psycho-education, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythms therapy, and family focused therapy. A combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy can also be used for increased…show more content… The main goal of this therapy is to mitigate the home life of the patient and to assist them in developing supportive and positive personal relationships. This method is directed towards managing expressed emotion (EE) in close friends and relatives of the patient. Expressed emotion is often defined by criticism, hostility, and emotional over-involvement (cite?). This type of behavior is damaging to the patient and their personal relationships because it embraces a hostile environment. Helping the patient sharpen their social skills, and assisting them in building or mending broken relationships is a major advantage for this treatment method. These newly formed and reestablished relationships can give the patient the support network they need. A major disadvantage lies in the social approach itself. What does the therapist do if the patient does not have immediate family or if they have isolated themselves from society? This therapy method could work for Kay Jamison but I believe the reliance on family and friends is a major downfall for her case. She tried to keep her condition secret for as long as she could and for this method to be effective she would have had to open up those doors. I believe she would have been too apprehensive in the beginning for FFT to work
