MHM Magazine

Issue 3 | 2021 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | 29 MHM B ipolar Disorder remains one of the psychiatric conditions that presents with high rates of non- adherence to treatment protocols. Especially when it comes to non- adherence to taking prescribed medication. Due to this, what’s commonly seen in general clinical practice is people relapsing into depressive episodes, manic or hypomanic episodes as well as mixed episodes. The three most important factors leading to relapses in bipolar disorder are: • Stressors • Noncompliance to taking prescribed medication for bipolar disorder • Substance use or abuse Just as the prescribed mood stabilisers help to stabilise patients’ moods; other substances can do the opposite and are called mood destabilisers. Medications with codeine are of particular importance as codeine is a severe mood destabiliser. Intake of high levels of caffeine can also destabilise bipolar patients’ moods. So it’s important patients acquire the necessary knowledge to help prevent mood destabilisation. This unfortunately leads to bipolar disorder not stabilising well and therefor patients experience more frequent episodes of depression and mania or mixed episodes. It’s known that episodes, especially longer lasting, more severe episodes can be toxic to the brain. The longer-term consequence is that brain health is impacted negatively. Thus, good adherence to treatment is of value because it helps to be neuroprotective and improves the functioning of patients with bipolar disorder. Good adherence and compliance to treatment is a particularly important goal for the effective management of bipolar disorder. Psychoeducation has been shown to be a valuable technique here. In this regard compliance in taking medication is important as it remains a vital part of the treatment protocol for bipolar disorder. Although various psychoeducational programmes are used, the Colom Psychoeducation Model for bipolar disorder has been widely recognised as an effective treatment modality. The main objective of psychoeducation for bipolar disorder is to improve the understanding and conceptualisation of bipolar disorder. Psychoeducation aims to give patients information as to the causes and influences of bipolar disorder and that it is a brain based biochemical disorder. To this end psychoeducation must apply scientific principles to the understanding and management of bipolar disorder. This helps with developing insight as to the need for treatment and the recognition that bipolar is a serious mental health disorder and that patients suffering from it must take personal responsibility for the management of their condition. Psychoeducation puts structure to the process of managing bipolar disorder. This is immensely helpful for patients, knowing what to do to manage bipolar disorder and when to do it. Psychoeducation for bipolar disorder must give attention to the following: • Improving compliance, adherence, and concordance to all aspects of treatment of bipolar disorder. • Improving recognition of early symptoms and signs of bipolar disorder.