This unique book is needed because it aims to improve the care of Bipolar clients while strengthening the clinical practices of non-MD psychotherapists. What is different is the proposal that psychotherapists manage the overall care of Bipolar clients.
The increased number of publications about Bipolar over the past decades has enhanced the recognition of Bipolar. As many as 16 million individuals in the US may have a Bipolar episode at some point.
Psychiatrists have traditionally managed Bipolar clients but there are not enough psychiatrists and they generally spend only 10 to 15 minutes every one to six months with their clients—often not enough time to recognize oncoming Bipolar episodes. Therapeutic strategy has changed from treating acute episodes to postponing next episodes.
Psychotherapists see their clients for 50 minutes every week and are in a better position to recognize developing episodes. Psychotherapists do not prescribe and medicines are usually needed along with psychotherapy for best results. This book encourages psychotherapists to vet and collaborate with prescribers in caring for the therapists’ Bipolar clients.
Lacking in the psychotherapists’ armamentarium for treating Bipolar clients is education regarding diagnostic signs, symptoms, and treatment including the most productive medications. This book provides therapists and clients the needed information and encourages academic departments and other psychotherapy programs to institute training about Bipolar Disorders.