B

behavior modification therapy A treatment
approach that focuses on changing one’s actions to
remedy inappropriate responses or behaviors.
Behavior modification may be effective for ATTEN-
TION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER(ADHD), behav-
ior disorders, PHOBIA, SMOKING CESSATION, WEIGHT
LOSS AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, and similar issues.
The three most common types of behavior modifi-
cation are

• aversion therapy, which connects the undesired
  action or behavior with an unpleasant experi-
  ence


• positive reinforcement therapy, which connects
  the desired action or behavior with a pleasant
  experience


• desensitization, which establishes repeated,
  progressively extensive exposure to a circum-
  stance that produces anxiety to diminish the
  anxiety response

Behavior modification therapy is most success-
ful in treating narrowly focused conditions. Com-
bining behavior modification therapy with

COGNITIVE THERAPY, which helps people recognize

thought patterns, greatly improves its success.

Therapists sometimes combine behavior modifica-

tion therapy with HYPNOSISto increase the person’s

receptiveness to change.

See also PSYCHOTHERAPY.

bipolar disorder A pattern of alternating MANIA

and DEPRESSION (manic episodes and depressive

episodes) that often results in significant dysfunc-

tion and inability to participate in work and social

activities. About two million Americans have

bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic–depres-

sive disorder. Though indications of bipolar disor-

der may be present in ADOLESCENCE, most people

do not seek medical attention or receive a diagno-

sis until they are well into adulthood.

Symptoms and Diagnostic Path

The pattern of symptoms occurring in alternating

episodes is as important as the symptoms them-

selves and helps distinguish bipolar disorder from

either depression or mania, though many

researchers believe these conditions exist along a

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SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

Symptoms of Manic Episodes Symptoms of Depressive Episodes
euphoria and excitability hopelessness and futility
heightened energy diminished energy or fatigue
reduced sleep excessive sleep
spending sprees and other behavioral indiscretions pessimism about abilities and accomplishments
substance abuse (including ALCOHOL) chronic physical discomforts and ailments
inability to focus or concentrate inability to concentrate
rapid, often disjointed speech difficulty with logic and reasoning
disorganized thoughts loss of interest in activities, family, and friends
unrealistic perceptions of abilities and accomplishments thoughts of suicide (suicide ideation)