Combined Medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Symptom Management in Bipolar Adults.
Advisor(s)
Jamie Hunsicker and Megan Lieb
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
11-4-2025 11:00 AM
End Date
11-4-2025 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem:
The rates of recurrences and stabilizing symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder are concerning. Medication is often the first line of therapy to treat symptoms of bipolar disorders. However, medication therapy alone does not help manage bipolar symptoms, nor does it prevent relapse of symptoms at an effective rate.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to determine if cognitive behavior therapy in conjunction with medications improves symptom management in patients with bipolar disorders compared to medications alone.
Methods and Evaluation:
Patients receiving medication therapy for their bipolar disorder will be screened using a questionnaire after receiving CBT. This questionnaire would be used after each weekly session for one month. There would then be a one-month and a six-month follow-up with the same questionnaire. Before beginning CBT, the participants would answer the questionnaire to create a baseline. To have an accurate comparison, the results after extended CBT therapy would then be compared to this baseline.
Conclusion:
The results of the study would add to the search for effective bipolar symptom management. Effective symptom management would lessen frequent hospital and facility visits, thus decreasing stress on hospital and facility staff. The results would also provide nurses with reliable bipolar symptom management. Nurses will be able to provide the best care possible for patients with bipolar disorders.
Recommended Citation
Evans, Jenna B., "Combined Medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Symptom Management in Bipolar Adults." (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 54.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Posters/54
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Combined Medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Symptom Management in Bipolar Adults.
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem:
The rates of recurrences and stabilizing symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder are concerning. Medication is often the first line of therapy to treat symptoms of bipolar disorders. However, medication therapy alone does not help manage bipolar symptoms, nor does it prevent relapse of symptoms at an effective rate.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to determine if cognitive behavior therapy in conjunction with medications improves symptom management in patients with bipolar disorders compared to medications alone.
Methods and Evaluation:
Patients receiving medication therapy for their bipolar disorder will be screened using a questionnaire after receiving CBT. This questionnaire would be used after each weekly session for one month. There would then be a one-month and a six-month follow-up with the same questionnaire. Before beginning CBT, the participants would answer the questionnaire to create a baseline. To have an accurate comparison, the results after extended CBT therapy would then be compared to this baseline.
Conclusion:
The results of the study would add to the search for effective bipolar symptom management. Effective symptom management would lessen frequent hospital and facility visits, thus decreasing stress on hospital and facility staff. The results would also provide nurses with reliable bipolar symptom management. Nurses will be able to provide the best care possible for patients with bipolar disorders.