Bipolar Affective Disorder Counselling

Bipolar disorders are mental health conditions characterised by periodic, intense emotional states affecting a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. These periods, lasting from days to weeks, are called mood episodes.

Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) is typically managed with a combination of therapies, including medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Some of the main therapeutic approaches offered are:

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Therapy helps individuals understand and manage their mood swings, develop coping strategies, and maintain stability.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Helps identify negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to mood swings
  • Teaches coping skills to manage stress and prevent relapse
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)
  • Focuses on stabilising daily routines, such as sleep and eating patterns
  • Helps improve interpersonal relationships, which can trigger mood episodes
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • A specialised form of CBT that emphasizes mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
  • Especially useful for individuals with impulsivity and self-harm tendencies
• Psychoeducation
  • Helps patients and their families understand BPAD, triggers, warning signs, and treatment options
  • Encourages early intervention to prevent full-blown episodes
• Family-Focused Therapy (FFT)
  • Involves family members in treatment to improve communication and reduce stress at home
  • Helps create a supportive environment for the patient

Medication Management

Medication is a cornerstone of bipolar disorder treatment and is often used alongside psychotherapy.

• Mood Stabilisers
  (e.g. Lithium, Valproate, Lamotrigine)
• Antipsychotics
  (e.g. Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• Antidepressants
  (used cautiously with mood stabilisers)
• Anxiolytics/Sedatives
  (e.g. Benzodiazepines for acute anxiety or insomnia)

Alternative and Lifestyle Therapies

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
  Used for severe bipolar depression or treatment-resistant cases
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  A non-invasive brain stimulation technique for depressive symptoms
• Sleep and Light Therapy
  Managing circadian rhythms to stabilise mood
• Exercise and Nutrition Therapy
  Regular exercise and a balanced diet can support mood stability
• Support Groups
  Connecting with others facing similar challenges can provide emotional support