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

INFORMATION ABOUT 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. Student recognition decision No. 5626/QD–XHNV dated December 29, 2023 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

6. Changes in training process: None

7. Project title: Support for relapse prevention for a case of bipolar disorder

8. Major: Clinical Psychology, applied orientation; Code: 8310402

9. Scientific instructor: Dr. Nguyen Huu Chien

10. Summary of project results:

The project presents a theoretical and practical study of bipolar disorder, focusing on relapse prevention through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Based on an overview of epidemiological, etiological, pathogenesis and treatment methods at home and abroad, the project clarifies the role of biological factors, biological rhythms, cognition and psycho-social factors in the chronic progression and risk of relapse of the disorder. At the same time, the project analyzes the theoretical and empirical basis of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in bipolar disorder intervention, emphasizing the pillars: psychological education, recognition of prodromal signs, adjustment of biological rhythms and restructuring of cognitive distortions and dysfunctional beliefs.

The project describes the process of assessment and psychological intervention in a case of bipolar disorder with a history of multiple relapses, who is being treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The intervention results showed that the client achieved mood stability, improved treatment compliance, enhanced recognition and response to signs of relapse, gradually reduced dysfunctional beliefs and strengthened family communication. The use of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy techniques contributed to enhancing the ability to self-regulate emotions and reduce the risk of relapse.

The combined results from clinical scales, observations, and client feedback showed a stable level of recovery, confirming the suitability of integrating Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatment in preventing relapse in bipolar disorder.

11. Practical application:

Through the research and clinical practice process, the project provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness and applicability of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in supporting the prevention of relapse in bipolar disorder, especially in the inpatient treatment context in Vietnam. The integrated model of pharmacotherapy, psychoeducation, self-management skills and family involvement shows that it can be implemented as part of the post-discharge care continuum, contributing to reducing the rate of relapse and readmission.

The project also pointed out some limitations in the implementation process such as long practice time, requiring close coordination from the family, and the sustainability of the effectiveness needs to be verified through long-term follow-up. This suggests that clinicians need to build a post-treatment monitoring system and expand group or community intervention programs to support patients in the maintenance phase.

12. Further 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 indicated 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