Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program For Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD)

The mental health industry, more and more, is focusing on researching, defining and implementing “evidence-based practices” for the treatment of various mental illnesses. Already firmly established as acceptable and effective treatment interventions is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depression, anxiety and substance abuse; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorders; and Family Psychoeducational intervention strategies to assist families of Schizophrenic patients.

More recent research, funded by the National Institute for Mental Health, involves creating evidence-based protocols for the treatment of Bipolar Mood Disorder. The current study called Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program – Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) involves identifying the best combined medication administration and psychotherapy interventions aimed at producing long-term mood stabilization and improved patient coping strategies. Various mood stabilizers, anti-depressants, and atypical anti-psychotic medication combinations are being studied. Selected “talk therapy” interventions are being implemented as well to determine which therapy and medication combinations are most effective. Research findings have yet to be published for STEP-BD but these outcomes could prove to be an important and exciting development in clinical intervention options for individuals afflicted with this disorder. See more information about this study at Bipolar Mood Disorder

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