Bipolar Disorder Case Study

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An important issue in approaching the psychological treatment of any disorder is whether people are able to identify developing symptoms at relatively early stages. If such symptoms are able to be identified, then the opportunity for effective psychological intervention can exist. Bipolar Disorder (BD), a mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression, is a significant mental health problem that affects over 5.5 million Americans striking in early adulthood (CITE). With the course of the illness being relatively severe, the reoccurrence of episodes can be associated with a range of factors including: substance abuse, family and relationship difficulties, and persistence of subsyndromal symptoms between episodes (CITE). In addition …show more content…
Core beliefs are understood as filters which selectively manage and magnify information that is consistent with the belief system, while minimizing and devaluing information that is not (Newman et al., 2002). According to Roadblocks in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities for Change, positive and negative core beliefs are activated during manic and depressed states (Newman et al., 2002). When an individual is feeling depressed, he or she may have an overly discouraging or bleak view of oneself, one’s own experiences, and the future (A.T. Beck, 1976). A.T. Beck also states that certain cognitions during mania or hypomania act in the direct opposite way of depressive episodes (CITE). While in a manic or hypomanic state, individuals have a core belief system that is characterized by an abnormal optimistic outlook regarding themselves, their own experience, and others (Basco & Rush, 1996). Core beliefs also underlie and determine automatic thoughts and mood, and are typically believed by the client to be valid and individualized (Newman et al., 2002). In depression and mania, distorted automatic thoughts tend to respectively be negative and positive (CITE). Distorted thoughts, which frequently occur with individuals in a manic state of BD, can include: “I know best”; “I don’t need my medicine”; and “they love my ideas” (Basco & Rush, 1996, pp. 154-155). According to Newman, maladaptive beliefs regarding pharmacotherapy need to be addressed during CBT to maximize the outcomes of intervention (Newman et al., 2002). Specific objectives of CBT for BD are to teach clients the cognitive-behavioral skills for managing manic-depressive symptoms, educate clients about BD, enhance compliance with taking medication, teach clients to