Family Focused Therapy
October 22, 2013 · Posted in Current Treatments
Family focused therapy (FFT), developed by David Miklowitz, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, has been effective in treating early syndromes that sometimes lead to bipolar disorder (including depression, anxiety, or BP-NOS) in children at high risk for bipolar disorder because of a family history that includes bipolar disorder in a first degree relative. There are 8 key ingredients to family focused therapy.
- Consistent monitoring of the illness and developing an early warning system with a plan for responding if early symptoms emerge
- Stress management
- Development of a relapse prevention plan
- Emphasis on sleep hygiene and the importance of regular sleep patterns
- Work on medication adherence
- Development of self-regulatory skills
- Improvement of family relationships
- Avoidance of substances of abuse
