Short Term Effectiveness

Question 1

Scott et al. (2006)

Answer 1

CBT is ineffective in reducing recurrence of BD. This study used a randomised controlled trial and suggested that CBT may be effective as an early treatment option rather than a treatment for chronic illness.

Question 2

Scott et al. (2006) - trustworthy?

Answer 2

Due to the protocol of the study, the treatment of CBT was not individualised, and more sessions were not offered to those who may have needed them. Thus, this may have reduced the usefulness of the treatment and may not give an accurate overview of how CBT can help those with BD.

Question 3

Ye et al. (2016)

Answer 3

Although they found that CBT could improve ‘severity of mania’, they found that the effects of treatment had declined after 6 months.

Question 4

Ye et al. (2016) - trustworthy?

Answer 4

Ye et al. undertook a quality assessment analysis and removed studies that had a high risk of bias, thus making the results more trustworthy.

Question 5

Chiang et. al (2017)

Answer 5

They concluded in a more recent meta analysis that CBT was effective in reducing relapse rates for BD, particularly if the sessions were 90 minutes or longer.

Question 6

Chiang et al - trustworthy?

Answer 6

The studies included in this meta analysis pre dominantly had less than 100 participants each and results could possibly only indicate the experience of the minority. Thus, the findings may lack external validity. It is also noteworthy that other personal factors may influence the relapse rates of BD and thus, the validity may be questionable.