Experiences of a transdiagnostic anxiety cognitive behaviour therapy group for people living with bipolar disorder: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Background

Participant experiences of transdiagnostic bipolar disorder treatment groups has been largely under-explored. The present study aimed to explore the experiences of people living with bipolar disorder who participated in a pilot study of a transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy for comorbid anxiety.

Methods

Ten participants (five male) diagnosed with bipolar disorder took part in an interview at the completion of the programme. Participants were asked open-ended questions about the programme and their experiences of participation in the group. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Key themes identified included: (1) “Content and techniques – applications outside of the group”, where participants reported using the content learnt for the management of anxiety and other symptoms, including co-occurring conditions; (2) ‘Being part of the group – “feeling normal”, where participants reported feeling supported within a group that was specific to bipolar disorder; and (3) “Group structure – enabling process, content and research”, where participants reported that structural elements, such as participation in research, added meaning to their experience.

Conclusions

This research provides evidence for the value of transdiagnostic approaches in the treatment of bipolar disorder, with participants reporting that they applied the skills learnt to anxiety, substance use and bipolar disorder-specific symptoms.

KEY POINTS

What is already known about this topic:

1. Anxiety is an important co-morbidity in bipolar disorder than can impact illness course.

2. Group interventions can be helpful in the management of bipolar disorder.

3. Participants value the group experience.

What this topic adds:

1. Group programs targeting anxiety can assist people living with bipolar disorder.

2. Participants used techniques for a range of co-occurring conditions.

3. Value was obtained by participants through contributing to research and the group.

KEYWORDS:

• Bipolar disorder
• anxiety
• group therapy
• CBT
• qualitativ

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Edward Wynter (EW) to the data collection and intervention.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).