Abstract
AbstractThe course of bipolar disorder is marked by relapses and remissions, even when patients are maintained on appropriate pharmacotherapy. This variability in illness course may occur in part because the disorder is affected by socioenvironmental stressors, particularly significant life events and high-conflict family relationships. Considering these factors, clinicians have focused more attention on psychosocial treatments as useful adjuncts to pharmacotherapy. In this article, a psychosocial treatment program known as family-focused psychoeducational treatment (FFT) is described. Delivered in combination with pharmacotherapy during the postepisode stabilization period, FFT begins with an assessment of the family or marital environment. Then, in three consecutive, modules, participants receive education about the nature, causes, and treatment of bipolar disorder, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills training. The overall goals of the program are to restore family equilibrium and improve the patient's clinical functioning after the acute-illness episode. A case study illustrating the approach is presented, and the future directions of FFT are reviewed.
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