Overview

Bipolar disorder has long been recognised correlated with developmental trauma, although the relationship has been unclear. Bipolar Disorder is frequently co-morbid with PTSD, CPTSD, ADHD, Autism, OCD and substance abuse and dependence. In clinical practice, it is clear that pharmacological treatment is rarely sufficient to move beyond mood stabilisation broadly, so that quality of life and adaptive experiences and responses are impaired by ongoing episodes of mood destabilisation and functional limitations. A feeling of stasis in life and a restriction of possibility is a pervasive clinical theme amongst those with lived experience, their supporters and clinicians. This also has intergenerational impact as there is a strong heritability component.

This means that people experiencing bipolar disorder, and their support networks, remain sensitive to environmental factors that influence mood stability. This practically results in restrictive routines to manage stimulation, stress, and to protect circadian patterns and at times less than optimal compliance with treatment. It also means that psychopharmacology is frequently adjusted, and polypharmacy is required, and this has its own implications. So far, psychological interventions in bipolar disorder have demonstrated some efficacy when focused on regulating circadian patterns through sleep and stimulus management (Social Rhythm Therapy), and also in managing interpersonal dynamics (Interpersonal Therapy and Family Therapy) to reduce interpersonal and environmental conflict and focus on adjustment to change, that is frequently disruptive. Efficacy for treatment using CBT or other 3rd wave CBT therapies is not consistent.

In this presentation, bipolar disorder will be viewed with an AIP model lens with recommendations for protocols to target past trauma, trauma networks associated with previous illness episodes and internal (interoceptive) experiences of illness that trigger illness episodes. This view might be applied to other serious mental illness and is a basis for further discussions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:

• Understand bipolar disorder from a transdiagnostic neurobiological perspective linking bipolar disorder and trauma – providing a clinical rationale for applying the AIP model to bipolar presentations
• Set expectations about EMDR treatment outcomes
• Identify trauma areas common in clinical bipolar presentations and learn the factors influencing prioritisation of targets based on the staging of the bipolar presentation
• Understand augmentation with traditional psychotherapy and psychoactive medication approaches
• Formulate EMDR treatment priorities through the review of case study/s of real patients who have given consent for training purposes

Presenter(s)

Dr. Gillian Maddock

About the presenter(s)

Dr Gillian Maddock (she/her) is a Clinical Psychologist who lives and works in New South Wales, Australia. She has worked across a range of settings since 2007. After doctoral research revealed a high prevalence of patients in a Suicide Prevention and Postvention service met criteria for bipolar disorder, her interest was sparked as to the relationship with trauma. Gillian is an instructor in the Clinical Psychology Master’s program at the University of Newcastle and provides talks and extended training on Bipolar Disorder, trauma, and EMDR. Gillian is an EMDR Institute Trainer and is accredited by EMDRAA as a case consultant. Gillian has had opportunities to work closely with the EMDR community in New Zealand and loves being able to share her passion with international colleagues.

Notes

Target Audience

This event is aimed at psychologists and EMDR therapists who are interested in gaining insights and skills in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Duration of Access

This event will be recorded. The recording will be emailed to all registered within 2 weeks post event and available for viewing up to 90 days.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.