Maintaining Stability with IPSRT: How it Helps Manage Bipolar Disorder (A Guest Post by Dr. Joann Mundin)

Bipolar disorder is a complex and unpredictable mental illness affecting millions worldwide. Those with bipolar disorder endure intense mood swings that can swing between the depths of severe depression to the heights of euphoric mania.

The manic episodes can bring forth feelings of overwhelming joy and excitement, accompanied by a surge of energy and a decreased need for sleep. However, this high can also lead to reduced inhibitions and impulsive behavior, which can have devastating consequences.

Despite being a common condition, the experience of bipolar disorder is deeply personal and varies widely from person to person. No two individuals will experience the same set of symptoms, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat effectively. This has led to ongoing research efforts to understand the condition better, improve diagnosis, and develop more targeted treatments.

Managing bipolar disorder is an ongoing challenge that requires a long-term commitment to treatment. Despite experiencing periods of relative stability, individuals with bipolar disorder must continue taking medication to manage symptoms and prevent relapse.

The therapeutic approach known as Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (ISRT) can help individuals manage their moods by utilizing their inherent biological and social rhythms. The underlying principle of Social Rhythm Therapy is that disruptions in regular routines can provoke mood disturbances in individuals who are susceptible to medical conditions such as bipolar disorder.

Understanding IPSRT

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) is a type of psychotherapy that Ellen Frank, Ph.D., at the University of Pittsburgh, developed. Dr. Frank wrote a book on her theories called “Treating Bipolar Disorder, a Clinician’s Guide to Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy.”

IPSRT helps people with bipolar disorder maintain regular daily routines such as sleeping, waking, eating, and exercising. By establishing a consistent daily rhythm, patients can experience positive effects on their mood and well-being. IPSRT also creates space for cognitive therapy, which allows patients to explore their past traumas and relationships.

IPSRT provides techniques for improving medication adherence, managing stressful events, and reducing disruptions in social rhythms. The goal is to help patients develop skills to protect them from future episodes and improve their interpersonal relationships.

Although medication is the primary intervention for bipolar disorder, some patients may have difficulty following their medication regimen or managing the consequences of the disorder. In such cases, psychosocial treatments like IPSRT can be a valuable addition to medication.

IPSRT Treatment Process

As a patient undergoing Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), the treatment process will typically involve the following steps:

Assessment

Your therapist will assess your history and symptoms, as well as your daily routine and social support network. This may involve interviews, questionnaires, or other assessment tools.

Education

Your therapist will educate you on the importance of maintaining a regular daily routine, including consistent sleep and wake times, meal times, and exercise habits. They may also educate you on the biology of bipolar disorder and the role of medication in treatment.

Social Rhythm Stabilization

Your therapist will work with you to establish and maintain a regular daily routine. This may involve setting specific goals for sleep, exercise, and other activities and identifying potential triggers for disruptions to the routine.

Interpersonal Problem-Solving

Your therapist will help you identify and address any interpersonal problems that may be contributing to your symptoms. This may involve learning communication skills, setting boundaries, or resolving conflicts in relationships.

Maintenance

Once you have established a stable routine and addressed any interpersonal problems, your therapist will work with you to maintain these changes over time. This may involve ongoing monitoring and adjustment of the daily routine and continued focus on interpersonal relationships and problem-solving.

Throughout the treatment process, your therapist will monitor your mood symptoms and medication adherence, and make adjustments as needed. The ultimate goal of IPSRT is to help you achieve and maintain stability in your daily routines and interpersonal relationships, which can lead to improved quality of life and reduced risk of relapse.

Efficacy and Effectiveness of IPSRT

If you are struggling with mania, bipolar, or depression, you may not realize how small disruptions in your daily routine can lead to increased symptoms. This is where Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) comes in. It can help you recognize any behaviors and patterns that negatively impact your life, ultimately improving your overall well-being.

IPSRT can help you in several ways:

• Improved mood: By addressing negative behaviors and patterns, you can experience a boost in your overall mood.
• Improved relationships: Positive changes in mood can help you engage with others and maintain healthy relationships.
• Improved overall health: Recognizing negative patterns and making positive changes can improve your physical and emotional health.
• Improved sleep quality: IPSRT can help you identify daily habits or events that affect your sleep routine, allowing you to make necessary changes to improve your sleep quality.

IPSRT is often used as part of a traditional treatment plan for mood disorders and is beneficial for young adults. It is commonly administered alongside other therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and medication.

For IPSRT to be successful, it is essential to remain honest with your therapist about your daily routine and patterns. By doing so, you can work together to create a personalized treatment plan that will help you maintain a healthy and stable life.

Conclusion

IPSRT has been found effective for treating various mood disorders including bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. Nevertheless, it is important to thoroughly evaluate different treatment options before initiating therapy.

It is also important to note that response to therapy varies from person to person, and while some individuals may respond positively to IPSRT, others may not. It is highly recommended to discuss with a qualified mental health professional or medical provider to determine if IPSRT would be an appropriate and effective addition to your treatment plan.

Author Bio: 

Dr. Joann Mundin has been a board-certified psychiatrist in practice since 2003. She is a Diplomate with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She is currently associated with Savant Care, where she provides assessments and treatment for patients with severe mental illness.