Neysa Peer 1
The video and the textbook both emphasize the importance of managing medication effectively in the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of medication differs between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Research indicates that adherence to medication significantly reduces the likelihood of relapse in individuals with bipolar disorder compared to those who do not take medication (Barlow, 2021). Moreover, medication is believed to alleviate symptoms more consistently in bipolar disorder compared to schizophrenia (Barlow, 2021). The medications prescribed for bipolar disorder typically aid in mood regulation and can range from mood stabilizers to antidepressants (Barlow, 2021). As portrayed in the video, the client experienced notable improvements in mood stability with the medication prescribed for her bipolar disorder.
While the video primarily addresses bipolar disorder, it resonates with the textbook’s discussion on schizophrenia in terms of emphasizing the importance of recognizing and discussing symptoms. The therapist in the video consistently asks about the patient’s symptoms during different phases of bipolar disorder, including mania, depression, and medication periods. This aligns with the textbook’s assertion that disclosing symptoms allows therapists to tailor treatments accordingly (Barlow, 2021). Additionally, the video underscores the patient’s awareness of her symptoms and her strategies for managing them during manic or depressive episodes, which also aligns with the textbook’s emphasis on symptom awareness and training patients to recognize symptom onset.
The video and the textbook chapter also highlight the significance of family involvement and support in managing bipolar symptoms, which is similar to the emphasis on family interventions in schizophrenia treatment. Although the video doesn’t extensively cover psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder, the textbook elaborates on various interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, family interventions, social skills training, and psychosocial rehabilitation, which are useful for improving symptom management and overall quality of life in both disorders (Barlow, 2021). Specifically, the text mentions that there has been a push in recent years in exploring the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy in conjunction with a medication regimen for the treatment of symptoms associated with schizophrenia, however, cognitive behavioral therapy is not utilized in the treatment of bipolar disorder. While the specific variations of treatment may differ for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, the shared principle of utilizing psychosocial approaches for enhancing symptom management and functional abilities remains key for both disorders.
References
Barlow, D. H. (2021).
Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders (6th ed.). Guilford Publications, Inc.
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are severe mental diseases that may have a major effect on a person’s life. There are some similarities between them, such mood, and cognitive disturbances, but there are also differences in the way symptoms manifest, how treatments are administered, and how well they function. Significant mood disorders are present in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Manic episodes in bipolar disorder are characterized by heightened or irritated mood, whereas mood disturbances in schizophrenia might include despair, anxiety, or depressed affect. Effective therapy for these diseases usually involves a combination of psychosocial activities and medicines. While psychological education, social skills training, and supportive treatment may be used to improve general functioning and well-being in the management of schizophrenia, psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or family therapy is typically beneficial in treating bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, the main differences are in how psychotic symptoms are shown and how medications are administered. While psychosis may occur during manic or depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder, psychosis in people with schizophrenia is characterized by more pronounced and widespread psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking, which continue even during stable times. Treatment strategies also vary greatly; mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and sometimes antidepressants are used to treat bipolar disorder, while antipsychotics are the main medicine used to treat schizophrenia’s psychotic symptoms. Because of the nature of schizophrenia and the accompanying cognitive deficits, medication adherence is often more difficult in this condition. The bipolar disorder video and the schizophrenia textbook chapter both place a strong focus on treatment planning and a team-based approach to therapy. The emphasis on relapse prevention in schizophrenia treatment, which includes techniques for early symptom recognition and medication adherence, is mirrored in the video as Miklowitz works with the client to develop a plan for identifying and managing symptoms if they reappear after stopping medication. Furthermore, Miklowitz’s cooperative decision-making with the patient and her psychiatrist highlights the value of the therapeutic alliance and shared decision-making in the management of bipolar disorder. This approach is reminiscent of a similar strategy used in the treatment of schizophrenia, which frequently entails collaboration between the patient, family members, and medical professionals to address symptoms and promote recovery.
References
Barlow, D. H. (2021). Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders, sixth edition: A step-by-step treatment manual. Guilford Publications.
Miklowitz, D. (2011). Helping a Young Woman Manage Her Bipolar Disorder Symptoms. Psyctherapy.apa.org.
