ABSTRACT dr j TELFER BIPOLAR DISORDER BETWEEN EPISODES MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Abstract Dr James Telfer, Sydney Bipolar Disorder between Episodes: Management Strategies Bipolar Disorder is a family of related illnesses Control of episodes is insufficient treatment The patient is often disabled between episodes of mania or depression by other mental illnesses related to Bipolar Disorder 92.3% of bipolar patients have one or more other mental disorder Anxiety disorders in 75% prevent recovery from mania and depressive episodes, increase suicide risk and cause long term disability The usual pharmacological treatments for anxiety disorders are often harmful for Bipolar patients There are no published studies of psychotherapy for anxiety in Bipolar patients; we are at present guided by clinical experience There is some evidence to recommend cognitive behavioural therapy, but this is unlikely to be sufficient alone and should be combined with other psychological approaches Treatment of conditions comorbid with Bipolar disorder needs to be individualized The therapeutic alliance is a mood stabilizer People who have Bipolar Disorder are more likely to have exceptional talent and creative ability; if this is not expressed, depression, anxiety and other disabilities are perpetuated These special abilities need to be realized in a social group and community as part of the treatment of the Bipolar Disorder