What is FFT?

Bipolar therapy is a special case of therapeutic hypnosis in treating the disease called bipolar disorder (BP). Developed by two leading psychologists, this bipolar therapy remedy based on family dynamics simply makes sense, considering that closer relatives of people with bipolar disorder are more prone to developing the condition or even depression than the average population. The research reported here has been published in the Journal of Consulting Psychology. Researchers report that depressed relatives of bipolar patients had worse outcomes than did relatives who were not bipolar. The study controlled for age, ethnicity, sex and symptom severity among the bipolar patients and their relatives. The results were significant, especially when looking at the sub-group of depressed relatives who actually developed the condition.

In several studies done on patients with bipolar disorder and their caregivers, bipolar therapy seemed to be a very successful approach to addressing the condition. Compared to other approaches, it had the highest success rates and was the only one proven to prevent recurrence of the illness. When comparing different forms of treatments, such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, the bipolar therapy group had the lowest relapse rates. In addition to that, patients who participated in the bipolar therapy had a significantly lower chance of developing substance abuse or other related illnesses.

In the course of treating bipolar disorder symptoms, patients need to learn how to recognize and avoid negative episodes. Reminding them of past tragic experiences could easily trigger depressive or manic episodes. It is important to explain that the past does not have anything to do with how they will behave in the future. If a patient can understand that past sadness or trauma does not have anything to do with how they will behave in the future, they are much more likely to control their moods and avoid episodes of depression, mania or hypomania.

To date, there have been approximately ten studies using a placebo-controlled design which investigate the effects of bipolar therapy on patients’ moods and well-being. These studies have yielded positive results, but when analyzing the data it appears that the majority of participants achieved at least some improvement and benefit from the treatment. The results of these studies support the notion that the benefits of psychotherapy can outweigh the benefits of medications used to treat bipolar disorder. Although it is not possible to know exactly why moods improve when receiving treatment, the results of these studies support the idea that the positive mood changes are the direct result of the treatment rather than having to do with the medication. Since mood-stabilizing medications can be used for approximately 10 years before they wear off, many patients are able to continue using them for the rest of their life.

Although medication is necessary to control bipolar disorder symptoms and to help patients manage their illness, it is also crucial that people suffering from this mental illness receive psychotherapy in order to improve their conditions. The goal of psychotherapy is to help patients identify and address their negative thoughts and behaviors and to replace them with more positive, realistic thoughts. Psychotherapy also helps patients explore and overcome any fears they may have associated with their bipolar disorder and helps them learn to deal with their stressors in a healthy manner. While medication is very important to controlling bipolar disorder symptoms and improving quality of life, it is also important that patients learn how to cope with their mental illness without the use of prescription drugs.

Bipolar disorder is a long term condition that requires ongoing maintenance. During the period of rapid change that occurs within the manic and depressive phases of this illness, it is not uncommon for some people to become overwhelmed by the sudden change and to lose their ability to function normally. This can result in the exacerbation of symptoms, a decline in quality of life, and in some cases, even suicide.

To effectively manage bipolar disorder, it is essential that the patient and therapist work together to strengthen their relationship. Family therapy offers the best possible support and can offer resources that families can utilize to assist their loved ones in coping with this condition. Family therapy can also help to identify and reinforce the positive aspects of healthy living and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Therapists may recommend that families participate in psychotherapy as a collaborative effort to combat bipolar illness.

The primary goal of psychotherapy is to provide individuals and families with effective coping mechanisms to manage mood fluctuations and facilitate recovery. In many instances, family therapy can provide families with resources to reduce stress, improve communication, gain understanding and support, and provide structure and security. Family therapy can even be a source of hope for someone who has already attempted to commit suicide. FFT is a great asset to the family of someone who suffers from bipolar or FHS. When used in combination with the other forms of treatment provided by a licensed psychiatrist and psychologist, FFT is an effective treatment option that can drastically improve the quality of life for those who suffer from this illness.