Author Question: Although treatment of bipolar disorder requires medication, psychological treatments also play a ... (Read 74 times)

anjilletteb · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Although treatment of bipolar disorder requires medication, psychological treatments also play a significant role in the well-being of a patient.

Discuss the importance of psychological interventions for this disorder and identify one form of treatment discussed in the text.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Francesca is involved in an abusive relationship with her husband of 10 years that is characterized by episodic domestic violence.

Knowing that she has three children, no career, and no relatives nearby to help leads her to believe that her situation is hopeless. Moreover, she is beginning to think she really does deserve the abuse she receives because of her stupid and thoughtless behavior. She has asked her husband to go to marital counseling but he refuses. In his eyes, she is the problem. Francesca feels depressed and has suicidal ideation.
From a psychological perspective, how might learned helplessness theory help explain Francesca's depressed mood and feelings of hopelessness?

What will be an ideal response?

cam1229 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Although medications are the primary treatments for bipolar disorder, psychotherapy may provide emotional support to both the patient and family members. Therapy may help the patient develop behavioral coping strategies for dealing with symptoms and also help stabilize mood. Furthermore, psychotherapy reduces hospitalizations and improves daily functioning.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing inappropriate or negative thought patterns and behaviors. Psychoeducation teaches the person about bipolar disorder, its treatments, and how to recognize warning signs or precursors of mood shifts.
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy promotes adherence to regular daily routines that are thought to impact mood. Patients are prompted to maintain regular schedules of work, sleeping, and eating; this in turn reduces the likelihood of unstable biological rhythms and mood swings.

Answer to Question 2

According to Martin Seligman, Francesca's abuse and victimization (externally uncontrollable events) and feelings of low-self esteem and self-doubt (internally uncontrollable environments) are leading to her experience of depression and helplessness. She is attributing the cause of her problems to her own incompetence and poor performance (internal cause), rather than the external cause which is her husband's violence, thus resulting in a depressed mood.