While pharmacotherapy can be effective in reducing bipolar disorder symptoms, managing the overall illness requires collaboration between patients, providers, and family/social supports. This workshop will help clinicians gain an understanding of how cognitive behaviorally based intervention strategies can help persons with bipolar disorder and how the therapeutic alliance and collaboration with family and providers can be an important elements of the treatment process.

The workshop will include lecture, demonstration, and question and answer sessions around the diagnosis, early intervention, and symptom management of bipolar disorder in children and adults. Dr. Basco will review current research on the management of manic and depressive symptoms as it pertains to skills training.  She will also cover:

• cognitive and behavioral strategies for symptom tracking and prevention
• management of affective symptoms including irritability and sadness
• behavioral challenges such as avoidance and procrastination
• existential issues such as how one defines a self separate from the symptoms of this severe and chronic mental illness.