TTDA: Support for relapse prevention in a case of bipolar disorder

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S PROJECT

1. Student's full name:NGUYEN DA THAO2. Gender: Female

3. Date of birth: September 27, 1997

4. Place of birth: Lam Dong

5. Decision No. 5626/QD-XHNV dated December 29, 2023, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, recognizing the student.

6. Changes in the training process: None

7. Project Title: Supporting Relapse Prevention for a Case of Bipolar Disorder

8. Major: Clinical Psychology, Applied Orientation; Code: 8310402

9. Scientific supervisor: Dr. Nguyen Huu Chien

10. Summary of project results:

This project presents a theoretical and practical study on bipolar disorder, focusing on relapse prevention through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Based on an overview of epidemiological studies, etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment methods both domestically and internationally, the project clarifies the role of biological factors, circadian rhythms, cognition, and psychosocial factors in the chronic progression and relapse risk of the disorder. Simultaneously, the project analyzes the theoretical and empirical basis of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in bipolar disorder intervention, emphasizing the pillars of: psychological education, identification of prodromal signs, circadian rhythm adjustment, and the restructuring of distorted perceptions and non-functional beliefs.

This project describes the psychological assessment and intervention process for a case of bipolar disorder with a history of multiple relapses, currently undergoing combined chemotherapy and therapy. Intervention results showed that the client achieved mood stability, improved treatment adherence, enhanced recognition and response to relapse symptoms, a gradual reduction in non-functional beliefs, and strengthened family communication. The use of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy techniques contributed to improved emotional self-regulation and reduced relapse risk.

The combined results from clinical assessments, observations, and client feedback indicate stable recovery, confirming the suitability of integrating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and pharmacotherapy in preventing relapse of bipolar disorder.

11. Practical applications:

Through research and clinical practice, this project provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness and applicability of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in supporting the prevention of relapse in bipolar disorder, particularly in the context of inpatient treatment in Vietnam. The integrated model of pharmacotherapy, psychological education, self-management skills, and family involvement demonstrates its potential for implementation as part of ongoing post-discharge care, contributing to reduced relapse and readmission rates.

The project also points out some limitations in the implementation process, such as the long duration of practice, the need for close cooperation from families, and the need to verify the sustainability of effectiveness through long-term follow-up. This suggests that clinicians need to develop post-treatment follow-up systems and expand group or community intervention programs to support patients during the maintenance phase.

12. Future research directions: None

13. Published works related to the project: None.

INFORMATION ON PROJECT

1. Full name: NGUYEN DA THAO 2. Sex: female

3. Date of birth: September 27, 1997 4. Place of birth: Lam Dong

5. Admission decision number: 5626/QD–XHNV Dated December 29, 2023

6. Changes in academic process: None

7. Official project title: Relapse prevention support for a case of Bipolar disorder

8. Major: Applied Clinical Psychology 9. Code: 8310402

10. Supervisors: Nguyen Huu Chien, Ph.D

11. Summary of the findings of the project:

This project presents a theoretical and practical study on bipolar disorder, focusing on relapse prevention through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Based on a comprehensive review of domestic and international research on epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment approaches, the project clarifies the roles of biological factors, circadian rhythms, cognition, and psychosocial elements in the chronic progression and recurrent risk of the disorder. Additionally, it analyzes the theoretical and empirical foundations of CBT in bipolar intervention, emphasizing four core components: psychoeducation, prodromal signs detection, regulation of circadian rhythms, and cognitive restructuring of dysfunctional beliefs.

The project describes the assessment and psychological intervention process for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder, who had a history of multiple relapses and was receiving combined pharmacological treatment. The intervention results indicate mood stabilization, improved treatment adherence, enhanced recognition and coping with relapse indicators, gradual reduction of dysfunctional beliefs, and strengthened family communication. The use of CBT techniques contributes significantly to the client's emotional self-regulation and reduced relapse risk.

Findings from clinical scales, behavioral observation, and client feedback demonstrate a stable level of recovery, underscoring the effectiveness of integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with pharmacological treatment in preventing relapse in bipolar disorder.

12. Practical applicability:

Through both research and clinical practice, this project further provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness and applicability of CBT in relapse prevention, particularly within inpatient settings in Vietnam. The integrated model - combining pharmacological treatment, psychoeducation, self-management skills, and family involvement - shows promise for implementation as part of continuous post-discharge care, contributing to reduced relapse and rehospitalization rates. However, limitations such as the extended duration of intervention, the need for strong family cooperation, and the uncertain long-term sustainability of outcomes suggest the importance of post-therapy monitoring systems and the expansion of group or community-based programs to support patients during the maintenance phase.

13. Further research directions: None

14. Project -related publications: None