Psychotherapy

Controlling the intensity, the duration and the frequency of episodes of MDI usually requires the use of medications. However, psychotherapy can help the patient with MDI learn how to manage their illness.

Several areas of treatment are included in the broad category of psychotherapy:
• Development of insight and self-monitoring of behavior and mood are the most important task of psychotherapy.
• Education about the illness and its treatment is often necessary to create the conditions for treatment compliance and lifestyle changes (sobriety, regular sleep schedule) to help mood stabilization.
• Support and assistance in managing stressful events and in addressing the consequences of MDI on one’s social, occupational, educational and financial life.