Supervisors info:
Χατζούλης Μιχαήλ, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ, Επιβλέπων
Πασχάλη Αντωνία, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Μαγγούλια Πολυξένη, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Introduction Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by mood fluctuations, with episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. Managing bipolar disorder requires multidimensional approaches, with emphasis on both pharmacological treatment and psychotherapeutic interventions. Third-wave cognitive therapies are a modern therapeutic tool that focuses on mindfulness, acceptance, and enhancing patients’ psychological flexibility, making them suitable for managing bipolar disorder. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these therapies in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Methodology A systematic literature review was conducted across electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and the Greek literature, covering studies published up to September 16, 2024. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies that employed third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and other mindfulness-based interventions. The studies had to focus on adults or adolescents diagnosed with bipolar disorder, while qualitative studies, case reports, and articles without validated outcome measures were excluded.
Results Overall, from 1,559 records retrieved from four databases (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, World of Science, CINAHL), 692 duplicates were removed, leaving 867 records for preliminary screening. Of these, 757 were excluded as irrelevant. Eligibility was assessed for 109 references, with 15 excluded due to unacceptable publication type, 6 due to irrelevant interventions, 13 due to inappropriate population, 16 due to lack of separate reporting of outcomes for patients with bipolar disorder, 2 due to irrelevant outcomes, 4 due to self-reported diagnosis, and 1 as a case series. Ultimately, 52 new studies were included in the review.
Conclusions Third-wave cognitive therapies show promising outcomes in managing bipolar disorder, offering alternative solutions to improve psychological well-being and emotional stability. Despite these positive indications, further randomized controlled trials are needed to draw more definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of these interventions across different populations.
Keywords:
Bipolar disorder, Third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapies, DBT, CFT, ACT, MCT, CBASP, MBA, MBCT
