Psychodynamic psychotherapy with bipolar affective disorders

In this article the psychodynamic differences between several kinds of depressive disorders and bipolar disorders are presented as well as the psychodynamic models for mania and depression, especially major depression. Two case reports of long term psychodynamic psychotherapy illustrate the theoretical concepts. Furthermore the general therapeutic problems and special countertransferences with manic or depressive episodes are shown. On the other hand this paper demonstrates the great therapeutic possibilities of the psychodynamic treatment with patients suffering from bipolar disorders and it wants to stimulate others to try this work.