483 Screening for Bipolar Disorder and Use of Antidepressant Drugs in Bipolar Depression in Italy

Abstract

Family focused therapy is one of the adjunct psychosocial interventions that have significantly produced positive results in the treatment of bipolar disorders by reducing the burden of illness through the prevention of relapses, the reduction of interepisode symptoms, encourage compliance with medication use, and decrease suicide attempts. The family focused therapy is time limited, focus on the “here and now”, as well as symptoms relief and symptom management. These approaches help build trust with family and provides for a safe support network. It is different from individual therapy because it incorporates family members, by allowing them to help treat the identified patient, especially with those who lack insight about their illness and to improve behavior and social skills. The different models of family interventions will be discussed as well as the challenges and issues with boundaries (e.g. informed consent, the rights of the client, information about disclosure and confidentiality as well as the legality of the therapy) need to be made clear in working with a therapist who is open to restructuring some parts of the therapy process, in order to meet the needs and desires of the particular family. Combining family-focused treatment with medications, provides a better outcome than just medication alone or medication and equally intensive individual therapy.