Originally published September 27 2005
New treatment helps bipolar sufferers by promoting focus on relationships
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Episodes of bipolar disorder, a mood disorder marked by swings between manic behavior and depression, can be triggered by disruptions in routines and relationship problems, so University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a treatment that promotes a focus on a daily routine and maintaining stability in personal relationships in order to help treat the disorder, Health and Age reports.
Treatment focusing on daily routines and relationships has been found helpful for people who have bipolar disorder.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have pioneered a new treatment for bipolar disorder called Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) which involves a focus upon keeping to a daily routine and maintaining stability in personal relationships.
The therapy grew out of a realization that disruption to routine and relationship problems can often trigger an episode of mania or depression.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by swings between these two types of episode.
The study involved 175 individuals who were going through an acute episode.
One received IPSRT during both the acute phase and a two year maintenance phase.
Another received a therapy called Intensive Clinical Management (ICM) treatment which is more focused upon the general causes, symptoms and treatments for bipolar disorder.
The third group received IPSRT in the acute phase and ICM during the maintenance phase while a fourth group received the therapies the other way round.
In general, those receiving IPSRT were more likely to remain well during the maintenance period.
But those who had medical problems, such as diabetes, seemed to benefit more from ICM.
All remained on their medication throughout the trial.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml