Self-management in bipolar disorder: The story so far

Abstract

Background

Research suggests that psychoeducation, relapse prevention and recovery are all the key aspects of psychological treatment for bipolar disorder and the common components of self-management programmes.

Aims

This review traces the origins of self-management interventions as it appears in physical health research and evaluates the current evidence associated with self-management interventions for depression and more specifically for bipolar disorder.

Method

Literature review.

Results

Despite significant clinical and cost benefits associated with self-management programmes for physical and mental health problems, to date there has been less progress in the development of self-management interventions for bipolar disorder. Preliminary evidence indicates that people with bipolar disorder will engage with self-management support.

Conclusion

The rapid development and evaluation of self-management programmes for bipolar disorder is an important research and clinical priority.

• self-management
• bipolar disorder
• service-user