According to NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence), to minimise the effects of bipolar affective disorder and work towards having the best quality of life, you’re likely to need medication. However, psychological and psychosocial interventions have an important part to play in managing your disorder, as do lifestyle changes and social support.
CBT is particularly helpful if your condition is stable, and will help you:
Reduce the negative impact of bipolar manic depression
Identify and correct habitual thoughts which lead to harmful conclusions
Work on your skills of awareness, introspection and evaluation
Achieve improved coping and reality testing skills
Regulate your mood swings (where possible)
Reduce the impact of your bipolar illness on you, your loved ones and your work colleagues
Remain motivated to take medication
Identify triggers and help reduce your chance of a relapse