The effects of a psychosocial rehabilitation program on functioning in individuals with bipolar disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64838/jmht.2026.287005Keywords:
bipolar disorder, functioning, psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery, social rhythmAbstract
Objective: To examine the effects of a psychosocial rehabilitation program on functioning in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Methods: A controlled experimental study was conducted among 40 inpatients with remitted bipolar disorder. The experimental group (n = 20) received usual care combined with a psychosocial rehabilitation program developed by integrating a recovery-oriented approach and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. The program consisted of activities to promote understanding of the illness, treatment, and early warning signs, as well as training in emotion management and life-planning skills. The program was delivered once a day for five consecutive days, for a total of five sessions. The control group (n = 20) received usual care only. Functional impairment, including personal development, occupational functioning, cognitive functioning, financial issues, interpersonal relationships, and leisure time, was assessed at baseline and one month after the intervention using the Functioning Assessment Short Test. Between-group differences and within-group changes were evaluated using independent t-test and paired t-test, respectively.
Results: The experimental and control groups were comparable in demographics, the severity of manic and depressive symptoms, and the baseline FAST scores (mean = 59.58, SD = 10.12; mean = 58.20, SD = 9.64, respectively). After the intervention, the experimental group exhibited a significantly lower mean FAST total score than the control group (mean = 36.65, SD = 7.71; mean = 42.15, SD = 8.11, respectively; t = -2.198, p = .034). Both groups demonstrated statistically significant decreases in the mean scores from baseline (t = 6.716, p < .001; t = 6.000, p < .001, respectively).
Conclusion: The psychosocial rehabilitation program reduced functional impairment in individuals with bipolar disorder, compared with usual care. The program could be applied as an adjunctive intervention to enhance functional rehabilitation outcomes.
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