Inpatient Group Therapies for People with Bipolar Disorder: Comparison of a Self-Management and an Interactional Model

BACKGROUND: Although diagnostically homogeneous group therapy is a generally accepted component of the outpatient treatment of persons with bipolar disorder, investigations into the use of this modality in the inpatient setting are preliminary.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the Self-Management Group Model with that of the Interactional Group Model in improving the ability of patients hospitalized with bipolar disorder to care for themselves when discharged.

DESIGN: This study used a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent comparison group design with repeated measures that were administered before the intervention, after the intervention, and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. Instruments elicited data on self-reported mood states, behavior and symptom identification, coping resources, and satisfaction with the group services.

RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two people participated at the first measurement period. No significant total score differences were found between the two groups on any of the four measurements. However, 3 months after hospitalization, Interactional Group Model participants reported significantly less difficulty with behaviors and symptoms at the 3-month measurement period when compared with their admission scores but less satisfaction with the groups than they had at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that each method has advantages; the optimal model may be one that combines elements of both methods within a self-management focus.