Bipolar disorder therapies include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.
These therapies may help people process emotions, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and regulate mood.
While medication is often essential for stabilizing mood in people with bipolar disorder, psychotherapy can also be an important part of long-term management.
This article explores bipolar disorder therapies and provides guidance on when and how to seek professional help.
Some of the types of psychotherapy that mental health professionals employ for people with bipolar disorder include:
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
- family-focused therapy (FFT)
CBTis a well-established therapy for bipolar disorder. It works by helping individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to mood instability.
For people with bipolar disorder, CBT also helps them recognize the early warning signs of both depression and mania, allowing for early intervention before full episodes occur. It also teaches coping strategies to manage stress, improve problem-solving skills, and develop a more balanced perspective on daily life.
However, there is a reduced preventive effect of CBT in people who have had multiple episodes, although it appears effective in preventing recurrence.
DBT is a type of CBT that experts initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder. They have since adapted it also to help individuals with bipolar disorder.
DBT focuses on teaching skills in four key areas:
- mindfulness
- distress tolerance
- emotion regulation
- interpersonal effectiveness
For people with bipolar disorder, DBT can help manage extreme emotional states, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and enhance coping mechanisms during mood shifts.
DBT is particularly effective in managing the intense mood fluctuations that characterize bipolar disorder. It provides people with tools to regulate their emotions and manage relationships more effectively. This is important because interpersonal stressors can trigger mood episodes.
Several smaller studies have shown that DBT can reduce the severity of depressive and manic episodes.
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IPSRT is a form of therapy specifically for managing bipolar disorder. The goal of this approach is to help stabilize daily routines, particularly sleep, exercise, and eating patterns.
By focusing on maintaining consistent daily rhythms, IPSRT helps reduce the likelihood of triggering manic or depressive episodes.
IPSRT also addresses interpersonal conflicts and works to reduce stressors that come from relationships.
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FFTinvolves family members in the treatment process of people with bipolar disorder. It helps educate family members about the condition, improves communication, and reduces conflicts that can worsen mood episodes.
FFT focuses on teaching the individual with bipolar disorder and their family how to manage symptoms, recognize early warning signs, and work together to prevent relapses.
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Anyone with concerns that they or their child may have bipolar disorder needs to seek professional guidance from a doctor or mental health care professional. The potential signs of bipolar disorder can include:
- significant changes in mood
- phases of being very energetic, hyperactive, and impulsive
- phases of depression, which may cause extreme sadness or apathy
People who already have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder should tell a doctor or therapist if they notice symptoms that may indicate an episode is developing.
If symptoms significantly worsen or include thoughts of self-harm or suicide, individuals need immediate support.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Some common therapies for bipolar disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and family-focused therapy (FFT). They each work in slightly different ways, but all have evidence to support their use. These therapies may help people cope with symptoms, stabilize their mood, and reduce episode frequency over time.
In addition to these benefits, therapy may also help someone maintain consistent routines or improve personal relationships. Together with medication, they can improve quality of life.
Anyone with concerns about bipolar disorder or mental health more generally needs to speak with a doctor or therapist promptly. Getting prompt support can prevent symptoms from worsening, so an individual is not managing them alone.
Read more about how to find a therapist.