Family Involvement and Relapse Prevention in BD

A recent article published in BMC Psychiatry in November 2011 titled Involving relatives in relapse prevention for bipolar disorder: a multi-perspective qualitative study of value and barriers focused on both the benefit and barriers of involving family members in relapse prevention treatment. Some of the benefits include another “pair of eyes” to monitor the patient, relatives' increased understanding of the illness, increased support during a crisis, and earlier intervention during a relapse. The paper also notes that during relapse prevention training it is important that each member clearly understands their role in the therapeutic relationship and does not use their new role in a threatening way.  In addition, some obstacles such as confidentiality and family dynamics must also be addressed in order for the relapse prevention model to be effective.

The research strongly supports the involvement of relatives in relapse prevention, while recognizing barriers to effective treatment and tools to prevent and overcome these barriers.

Dr. Burns

Children's Books

Bipolar Disorder and mental illness affect the entire family. It is especially important to make sure that young children feel loved, validated and supported.  One way to engage and provide age-appropriate psychoeducation to children is to read them thoughtful stories about Bipolar Disorder.  Please visit the links below.

The Bipolar Bear Family: When a Parent Has Bipolar Disorder
Why is Mommy Sad? A Child's Guide to Parental Depression
My Mother's Bipolar, So What Am I?
Sometime My Mommy Gets Angry