Psychotherapy

In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder. When treating bipolar disorder, psychotherapy is usually prescribed in combination with medication. Studies in adults show that it can provide support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families. Psychotherapy may also help children continue taking their medications to stay healthy and prevent relapse.

Some psychotherapy treatments used for bipolar disorder include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps young people with bipolar disorder learn to change harmful or negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Family-focused therapy, which includes a child's family members. It helps enhance family coping strategies, such as recognizing new episodes early and helping their child. This therapy also improves communication and problem-solving.
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, which helps children and teens with bipolar disorder improve their relationships with others and manage their daily routines. Regular daily routines and sleep schedules may help protect against manic episodes.
• Psychoeducation, which teaches young people with bipolar disorder about the illness and its treatment. This treatment helps people recognize signs of an impending relapse, allowing them time to seek treatment early, before a full-blown episode occurs. Psychoeducation also may be helpful for family members and caregivers.

Other types of therapies may be tried as well, or used along with those mentioned above. The number, frequency, and type of psychotherapy sessions should be based on your child's treatment needs.

A licensed psychologist, social worker, or counselor typically provides these therapies. He or she should work with your child's doctor to monitor care. In addition to getting therapy to help reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder, children and teens may also benefit from therapies that address problems at school, work, or in the community. Such therapies may target communication skills, problem-solving skills, or skills for school or work. Other programs, such as those provided by social welfare programs or support and advocacy groups, can help as well.³⁸

Some children with bipolar disorder may also have learning disorders or language problems.³⁹ Your child's school may need to make accommodations that reduce the stresses of a school day and provide proper support or interventions.

You can find more information about psychotherapy on the NIMH website.

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