A Study of the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Relapse Prevention of Bipolar Disorder

  This study aims to investigate the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in relapse prevention of bipolar disorder. This study has a quasi-experimental design with pre/post test and control group. The population consisted of bipolar I patients, suffering from frequent relapses despite the prescription of commonly used mood stabilizers who referred to Imam hossein hospital, Tahran, Iran. 14 patients were included in the study by in-access sampling, and were randomized into a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) group or a control group. Both the control and the CBT group received mood stabilizers. In addition, the CBT group received, on average, 14 sessions of CBT. The Young Mania Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression/ Anxiety Rating Scale and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale were used. The data were analyzed with covariance and paired T-test. The results showed that the CBT group had significant reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms. There is no difference in mania symptoms and adherence to medication in both groups. In conclusion , it can be said that adding CBT to medication is feasible and is associated with symptom improvement in bipolar patients.