Performance Optimization-Focused Family Behavior Therapy Within the Context of Coordinated Specialty Care: A Case Examination Involving a Performance Artist With Bipolar I Disorder With Psychotic Features, Social Anxiety and Cannabis Use Disorder

Although outcomes are modest, extant studies for bipolar disorder have supported comprehensive behavioral treatments and medication management. These treatments are customarily focused on psychiatric symptom reduction, which may be stigmatizing and overlook the optimal spectrum of functioning. As a novel alternative to traditional treatment, we examined the implementation of Performance Optimization-Focused Family Behavior Therapy (POFFBT) in a performance artist who evidenced bipolar I disorder with psychotic features, social anxiety, and cannabis use disorder as well as psychiatric symptoms and performance anxiety. POFFBT meetings occurred within the context of Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC). In clinical trials POFFBT has decreased psychiatric symptom severity and improved sport performance and relationships in adolescent and emerging adult athletes. However, POFFBT has yet to be evaluated in performance artists or within the context of CSC, which appears to enhance intervention engagement and outcomes for individuals with early serious mental illnesses. A battery of assessment measures was administered at baseline and six-month follow-up. Results indicated a substantial decrease in mental health symptom severity and increased social engagement. Future directions are discussed in light of the results.