Psychological Factors In The Treatment Of Bipolar Mood Disorders

The aim of this study is to trial an intervention targeting potential deficits in an individual's ability to form, and reflect upon, ideas about themselves and others (known as metacognitive capacities), specifically in relation to individuals diagnosed with a bipolar mood disorder (BMD). The proposed research will adopt a mixed qualitative and quantitative design. Participants will be recruited through hospital outpatient groups (i.e., Metro South Addiction \& Mental Health Services Woolloongabba Community Health Centre \& Beenleigh Community Health Centre in Brisbane, Queensland), and, as necessary, local non government organisations (NGOs), psychiatrists, general practitioners, online support networks (SANE Australia, Black Dog Institute), community mental health services(such as MINDNET), and/or social media groups (Facebook, Twitter) supporting people who meet criteria for a BMD. The research will then use clinical interviews and quantitative (survey) methods to: (1) confirm diagnosis of participants; and (2) confirm deficits in metacognitive capacities of participants. Following this, the research will then involve the implementation of an adapted intervention across a course of 12 months, aimed at improving the metacognitive capacities of participants with a diagnosis of a BMD. The research will provide an enriched understanding of a dimension of people with BMDs that has not been previously explored. The research will help with gaining an understanding of the metacognitive processes of people with BMDs, and inform more targeted psychological interventions.