Psychosocial interventions for bipolar II disorder

Abstract

Objective: Bipolar II disorder is a challenging psychiatric condition that causes significant suffering. Some of this suffering may be reduced by the receipt of psychotherapy, either as a monotherapy or adjunctive to pharmacotherapy. There have been only four reports from trials of psychosocial interventions that focus exclusively on individuals with bipolar II disorder. Because of this dearth of information, clinicians must rely on information garnered from trials that include subsets of individuals with bipolar II, in addition to those diagnosed with bipolar I or related bipolar disorders. Methods: The authors conducted a systematic literature review and identified 35 reports on 27 trials where $10% of the sample and at least ten participants met criteria for bipolar II disorder. Results: Preliminary evidence supports the use of interpersonal and social rhythm psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and, to a lesser extent, functional remediation and family-focused therapy in the management of bipolar II disorder. Conclusions: There is a strong rationale for using psychotherapy to manage bipolar II disorder, either as a monotherapy or adjunctive to pharmacotherapy. Salience of psychotherapies may improve if modified to meet the needs of those with this disorder.