RT Journal
A1 Lam DH, Watkins ER, Hayward P, et al
T1 A randomized controlled study of cognitive therapy for relapse prevention for bipolar affective disorder: Outcome of the first year
JF Archives of General Psychiatry
JO Archives of General Psychiatry
YR 2003
FD February 1
VO 60
IS 2
SP 145
OP 152
DO 10.1001/archpsyc.60.2.145
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.60.2.145
AB Background 
    Despite the use of mood stabilizers, a significant proportion of patients with bipolar affective disorder experience frequent relapses. A pilot study of cognitive therapy (CT) specifically designed to prevent relapses for bipolar affective disorder showed encouraging results when used in conjunction with mood stabilizers. This article reports the outcome of a randomized controlled study of CT to help prevent relapses and promote social functioning.Methods 
    We randomized 103 patients with bipolar 1 disorder according to the DSM-IV, who experienced frequent relapses despite the prescription of commonly used mood stabilizers, into a CT group or control group. Both the control and CT groups received mood stabilizers and regular psychiatric follow-up. In addition, the CT group received an average of 14 sessions of CT during the first 6 months and 2 booster sessions in the second 6 months.Results 
    During the 12-month period, the CT group had significantly fewer bipolar episodes, days in a bipolar episode, and number of admissions for this type of episode. The CT group also had significantly higher social functioning. During these 12 months, the CT group showed less mood symptoms on the monthly mood questionnaires. Furthermore, there was significantly less fluctuation in manic symptoms in the CT group. The CT group also coped better with manic prodromes at 12 months.Conclusion 
    Our findings support the conclusion that CT specifically designed for relapse prevention in bipolar affective disorder is a useful tool in conjunction with mood stabilizers.