Early Intervention for Youth at Risk for Bipolar Disorder

Summary

Children or teens with mood swings or depression who have a parent with bipolar disorder are at high risk for developing bipolar disorder themselves. This study will test a family-based therapy aimed at preventing or reducing the early symptoms of bipolar disorder in high-risk children (ages 9-17). In a randomized trial, the investigators will compare two kinds of family-based treatment (one more and one less intensive) on the course of early mood symptoms and social functioning among high-risk children followed for up to 4 years. The investigators will examine the effects of family treatment on measures of neural activation using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Conditions

• Bipolar Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Enhanced Care

The 3 family sessions involve the youth and all family members. These sessions will help the child and family members with mood charting and developing a mood management plan. Families will rehearse mood regulation strategies for current family, social or academic problems. Clinicians then meet with the child individually every month for the next 3 mos. to provide support, assist with problem-solving, and troubleshoot use of the mood management plan.

BEHAVIORAL

Family-Focused Treatment

12 therapy sessions involving the at-risk child or adolescent, parents, and available siblings. Therapy will include psychoeducation about mood disorders, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills training. The goal of this intervention is to improve the child's ability to regulate moods and to reduce tension and conflict in the family.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Stanford University

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Colorado, Boulder

  collaborator OTHER

• University of California, Los Angeles

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• David J Miklowitz, PhD · UCLA Department of Psychiatry

• Kiki D Chang, MD · Stanford University

• Christopher D Schneck, MD · University of Colorado, Denver

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

9 Years

Max Age

17 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2011-10-06

Primary Completion

2016-09-15

Completion

2020-09-15

Countries

• United States

Study Locations