Impact of the life goals group therapy program for bipolar patients: an open study.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the level of satisfaction of bipolar patients participating in the structured group Life Goals Program (LGP), as well as the impact of this psychoeducative program on mood stability, treatment compliance and relapse prevention.

METHODS

Forty-five patients (30 females and 15 males) with bipolar disorder were included. Their level of satisfaction was evaluated at the end of the 6-week phase 1 of LGP and after one-year participation in phase 2 (median duration 366 days, range 68-483). The impact of the LGP was also evaluated with respect to mood stability, compliance with pharmacological treatment and ability to prevent and cope with relapse. Participants' mood was rated at study entry, end of phase 1 and end of phase 2 with the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Scale.

RESULTS

Thirty-six participants (80.0%) completed phase 1 and 17 entered phase 2. A majority of participants (82.4%) were very satisfied with the information delivered during phase 1. After attending phase 2, participants reported a subjective improvement in mood stability, relapse prevention strategies as well as coping with relapse. MADRS score decreased significantly between the beginning of phase 1 and end of phase 2 (p=0.016).

LIMITATIONS

This is an open study and results need to be replicated in a randomized controlled trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this open study suggest that the life goals psychoeducative program is well perceived by bipolar patients and has a positive impact on mood stability, relapse prevention and ability to go beyond symptoms in order to reach specific goals.