Samuel Swidzinski

Thesis title:

Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) as an Early Intervention for Bipolar Disorder. Is it more beneficial than Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Abstract:

Studies have found marked deficits in cognitive functioning in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This can be observed both within episodes and in periods of euthymia, (Brissos, Dias, Carita & Martinez-Arán 2008); (Thompson, Gallagher, Hughes, Watson, Gray, Ferrier & Young, 2005). Therapy forms need to not only consider methods of reducing risk of relapse; they also need to focus on improving neurocognitive functioning. Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is used in patients who suffer from neurocognitive deficits. Previous research has shown that CRT has benefits for individuals with bipolar disorder, both in terms of symptom severity and in terms of functioning, (Strawbridge et al., 2016); (Wykes, Newton, Landau, Rice, Thompson & Frangou, 2007). Due to the limited literature in this area, and the positive findings thus far, future research on this topic is necessary. Previous studies have yet to measure CRT against the most common psychotherapy for bipolar disorder, cognitive behavioural therapy. This study will compare these therapy forms to measure which can have the larger impact on individuals with bipolar disorder. The following research questions will be answered within this PhD: 1) Are there differences between the CRT group, the CBT group and an inactive control group in the levels of functioning of participants immediately after and at 12-month follow-up?2) Are there differences between the CRT group, the CBT group and an inactive control group in symptom severity immediately after and at 12-month follow-up?3) Are there differences between the CRT group, the CBT group and an inactive control group in risk of relapse at 12-month follow-up?

Social media:

Website: samswidzinski.weebly.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-swidzinski-078a441b4/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/samswidzinski?lang=en

First supervisor:

Dr Allan Young

CASE partner:

non-HEI partner in master spreadsheet

Pathway:

2 – Life Course, Psychology, & Health

Cohort:

2020-21

Publications: