Psychotherapy and psychosocial interventions, family psychoeducation, and support for older age bipolar disorder

Abstract

Psychological interventions are critical in the treatment of bipolar disorders, especially for older adults, who face psychosocial challenges, cognitive difficulties, high rates of medical comorbidity, disability, and increased rates of suicide. This chapter focuses on outpatient psychological treatments for older adults with bipolar disorders, including psychotherapeutic, psychosocial, skills training, psychoeducational, and family support interventions. Critical clinical issues, such as disability, cognitive impairment, emotion regulation, social and family support, and suicidality, are discussed. This chapter describes a case study and highlights a list of helpful clinical “pearls.".