KBT-gruppbehandling av bipolär sjukdom
En pilotstudie
Bipolar disorder is a chronic affective disorder, characterized by episodes of mania and depression. Previous studies have shown beneficial results for CBT in conjunction with pharmacotherapy over pharmacological treatment alone. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a CBT treatment in group for patients with bipolar disorder, run by Norrlands universitetssjukhus. The treatment group consisted of pharmacologically stabilized patients (n=12) who received group CBT. They were compared to a control group (n=5) who received pharmacological treatment only. To examine the effects of the treatment perceived mood symptoms (depression and anxiety) were assessed before and after treatment. The treatment group also completed an evaluation questionnaire by the end of treatment. A long term follow-up was conducted 5-14 months after treatment, including patients (n=5) from the treatment group. No significant differences in mood symptoms were found before and after treatment, neither between nor within groups. However, the evaluation surveys, completed by the treatment group, reveal patient satisfaction. The results from the long term follow up show a decrease in mood symptoms, yet not statistically significant. Further the results reveal that three out of eight cognitive tools taught during treatment are still being employed by the participants. Results from the questionnaire show good treatment effectiveness, however this is not reflected by the participants? mood symptoms. Further studies are needed.