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Pilot of group intervention for bipolar disorder
journal contribution
posted on 2007-01-01, 00:00 authored by D Castle, Michael BerkMichael Berk, Lesley BerkLesley Berk, S Lauder, J Chamberlain, M GilbertObjective. This pilot study aimed to determine whether a group based psychosocial intervention reduced rates of relapse, improved function and quality of life in people with bipolar disorder. Method. Patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, types I and II were recruited in the Geelong Region of Victoria. Patients were assessed at baseline for psychiatric status, mood episode, function, and medication adherence. They were randomly assigned to either the intervention arm, a 12-week, structured group-based therapy as an adjunct to treatment as usual or the control arm, which consisted of treatment as usual, plus weekly phone calls. Participants were then followed up for a period of 3 months and assessed by a researcher blinded to treatment and control interventions. Results. Functioning as measured by the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) was significantly improved in the intervention group (P=0.008). The social relationships subscale on the (WHOQoL-BREF) showed significant results (P<0.05 level). There was also a positive trend in reduction of relapses in the intervention group. Conclusion. The use of a group intervention for bipolar disorder as an adjunct to usual treatment has potential benefits, both in reduction of relapse and improvement in functionality, and may be a cost effective way of delivering psychosocial treatments.
History
Journal
International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical PracticeVolume
11Issue
4Pagination
279 - 284Publisher
Taylor & FrancisLocation
Abingdon, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1365-1501Language
engPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2007, Taylor & FrancisUsage metrics
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