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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lorelai on August 10, 2002, at 17:14:14
Hi, I just want to know if anyone out there has experienced DBT and if it's helpful at all for people with bipolar disorder. My pdoc has asked me if I'd be willing to go this route and it's my understanding that DBT is for people with Borderline Personality Disorder. If I decide to do the DBT, I have to commit to a one-year program. I don't want to commit to anything of this duration if it's not going to be right for me. Just wondering if it's common for pdocs to suggest this therapy for bipolars. Thanks!
Posted by Dinah on August 10, 2002, at 18:09:39
In reply to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar???, posted by Lorelai on August 10, 2002, at 17:14:14
I've been wanting to try DBT since I first read of it. I haven't been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, but I do engage in self injurious behaviours. They don't have anyone using DBT where I am, in other than an inpatient setting. But I have bought the books and try to apply some of the techniques myself. It seems to be cognitive behavior therapy with some eastern philosophy, and perhaps a bit more recognition of emotions as they are.
If you have problems with mood instability or suicidal urges or self injurious behaviors, I would think it could prove helpful, whether or not you have borderline personality disorder. I sure wish I had the opportunity to try it.
Best wishes.
Dinah
Posted by Lorelai on August 10, 2002, at 21:29:15
In reply to Re: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar??? » Lorelai, posted by Dinah on August 10, 2002, at 18:09:39
I have problems with extremes in behavior. My reactions to things aren't construed by others as "normal." My pdoc didn't really go into her reasons for wanting me to try DBT. I was on the hysterical side during our last session and may have missed some things she said though. My biggest reservation is I've read that a part of DBT has to do with group therapy and I'm one of those people who doesn't DO groups. Can't stand social situations. Too many people in one place make me physically ill. I have to excuse myself several times during social get togethers (wedding receptions and such) to go outside and BREATHE and pull myself together. After any type of social gathering it takes me days to regroup and feel okay again. I guess this is something I'll have to go over with my pdoc this Wednesday, before I commit to anything. I'm anxious, though, for the first time in my life, to get well (another problem has been that I lie to therapists/shrinks all the time. I'm trying not to do that anymore). Anyway, suicidal tendencies are a problem, yeah. I might just ask for some anxiety meds and try the DBT (though that sounds a little strange--meds to help me face therapy?). Thanks for your comments!
Posted by judy1 on August 11, 2002, at 13:14:42
In reply to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar???, posted by Lorelai on August 10, 2002, at 17:14:14
My therapist uses DBT along with other types of therapy with me. I'm diagnosed with bipolar1, panic and DD-NOS. The DBT has been really helpful with my self-injury, but I'm familiar with the 1 year program, weekly sessions with your therapist plus group. I can't do group either (the panic starts up and I also don't believe in having to medicate in order to do groups. Both my therapist and pdoc understand this. I wonder if your doc suggested it because he/she needs some help? Do you see a therapist? If so, you CAN arrange to do that type of therapy without the group sessions- just be firm (afterall, it is YOUR health) unless it is something you think you can adapt to. I wish you all the best- judy
Posted by Dinah on August 11, 2002, at 13:27:25
In reply to Re: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar??? » Dinah, posted by Lorelai on August 10, 2002, at 21:29:15
Sounds like DBT would be good for you. You know Linehan originally developed it for suicidal and self injuring patients, if I remember correctly.
As for the group part of it, it sounds like you're ready at this point to move forward in therapy. A group might help with that and give you some opportunities to practice behavioral techniques that will help you in all group situations. That can't be a bad thing, if you're ready to work on it. And anti-anxiety agents are often used in the beginning stages of behavioral therapy, if I remember correctly.
Good luck, and if you do start DBT could you keep me up to date on how it goes? If someone around this extremely backwards area ever gets around to offering it, I am definitely going to think about it.
Dinah
Posted by Lorelai on August 11, 2002, at 18:36:04
In reply to Re: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar??? » Lorelai, posted by judy1 on August 11, 2002, at 13:14:42
> My therapist uses DBT along with other types of therapy with me. I'm diagnosed with bipolar1, panic and DD-NOS. The DBT has been really helpful with my self-injury, but I'm familiar with the 1 year program, weekly sessions with your therapist plus group. I can't do group either (the panic starts up and I also don't believe in having to medicate in order to do groups. Both my therapist and pdoc understand this. I wonder if your doc suggested it because he/she needs some help? Do you see a therapist? If so, you CAN arrange to do that type of therapy without the group sessions- just be firm (afterall, it is YOUR health) unless it is something you think you can adapt to. I wish you all the best- judy
**My pdoc is my therapist at this pt. in time. I'd moved away for a year, then returned to the same place I was living before. Returned to my old pdoc, but decided against my old therapist because she was so nice and easy going all I did was lie to her, to make her think I was getting better and she was doing a bang-up job. Not something I'm proud of--just something I've always done. I've never been completely honest with any shrink in my life and finally admitted this to my pdoc recently. Anyway, I'm seeing her day after tomorrow and I'll sound her out about DBT sans group. See what she says. I'm hoping she'll go along with it. The more I think about therapy with a group of strangers, the more agitated I get. I appreciate your comments!
Posted by Lorelai on August 11, 2002, at 18:46:18
In reply to Re: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar??? » Lorelai, posted by Dinah on August 11, 2002, at 13:27:25
> Sounds like DBT would be good for you. You know Linehan originally developed it for suicidal and self injuring patients, if I remember correctly.
>
> As for the group part of it, it sounds like you're ready at this point to move forward in therapy. A group might help with that and give you some opportunities to practice behavioral techniques that will help you in all group situations. That can't be a bad thing, if you're ready to work on it. And anti-anxiety agents are often used in the beginning stages of behavioral therapy, if I remember correctly.
>
> Good luck, and if you do start DBT could you keep me up to date on how it goes? If someone around this extremely backwards area ever gets around to offering it, I am definitely going to think about it.
>
> Dinah**I'm not sure why, but I self injured as a teenager, then stopped. I still dig my fingernails into my palm to the point of pain or bite the inside of my cheek, but I no longer cut myself or dig holes in the soles of my feet with needles. Anyway, I guess I'll look this up or ask my pdoc if people sometimes grow out of SI, or at least stop the more--guess you could say aggressive forms of it. Sorry to go off on a tangent. Was just thinking about it. As I was telling Judy, I'm not sure if I'll go the group route with DBT. Gotta discuss how uncomfortable I am about it with my pdoc. If I do decide to go that route, I'll post an update for ya, yeah. Thanks for answering my post!
Posted by judy1 on August 11, 2002, at 18:52:37
In reply to Re: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar??? » judy1, posted by Lorelai on August 11, 2002, at 18:36:04
Hi,
I think lying to one's therapist or pdoc has to be incredibly common, but since you were able to express your feelings to your pdoc I hope you'll be able to do the same with your therapist. She'll understand, it's all about trust- and that's something I'm still working on after a year with my therapist. Until that's in place, we're not going to make a lot of progress. I hope your therapist is trained in DBT, mine actually worked with Linehan. I think you'll find it a valuable part of getting and staying well. I have actually fled group sessions on many occasions (in hospital and partial hospital settings) and as I posted before, it is something that both my docs understand and will never push until I feel ready. Let us know how it goes with your therapist and take care-judy
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