An automated Internet application to help patients with bipolar disorder track social rhythm stabilization.
This column describes a pilot study of a fully automated, Internet-based program that provides a key element of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, a form of psychotherapy shown to be effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder when combined with mood-stabilizing medication. Participants (N=64) recorded the time they completed activities of daily living and their mood at the time of each entry. After 90 days they demonstrated a 31% increase in social rhythm stability and a small, though statistically significant, decrease in symptoms of abnormal mood. Internet-based programs can enhance access to a best practice in the management of bipolar disorder.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA. dlieberman@mfa.gwu.edu
Daniel Z
DZ
Lieberman
Susan
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Swayze
Frederick K
FK
Goodwin
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000339:Affect; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018692:Antimanic Agents