Seeing the Light: Early Intervention in People at Risk for Bipolar Disorder

Summary

In the current study, the feasibility, acceptability and effectivity of a new add-on early intervention program for individuals at risk for the development of bipolar disorder is evaluated. This intervention program entails psycho-education, light and lifestyle therapy in combination with Imagery focused Cognitive Therapy (ImCT). The program aims to contribute to early intervention by focusing on subclinical mood swings, anxiety symptoms, circadian rhythm and lifestyle factors such as activity level. We hypothesize a relationship between this early intervention and a significant improvement in mood symptoms, anxiety, subjective and objective sleep factors and lifestyle variables. Also, the feasibility, acceptability and associations with clinical improvement of symptoms will be studied.

Additionally, in a separate validation study, data will be collected to validate a new instrument for the early detection of those at risk for bipolar disorders. The Semistructured Interview of At Risk Bipolar States (SIBARS) (Fusar-Poli et al., 2022) will be translated and validated in a Dutch sample, in cooperation with its creators, Prof. Dr. P. Fusar-Poli and colleagues.

Conditions

• Bipolar Disorder
• Mood Swing
• Prodromal Symptoms

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Bright light therapy + Psycho-education + Imagery focused Cognitive Therapy

Week 1-3: BLT will be administered for 30 minutes on five consecutive days, starting on Monday of the work week, between 7:30 AM and 10:00. The effect of the light therapy is evaluated by means of the Self-Rated Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR). Further treatment strategy is determined on the basis of these results: * If the patient has achieved remission (QIDS-SR \< 6), BLT has been successful and the patient can continue with PE and IMCT. * If there is insufficient or no response (QIDS-SR of 6 or higher), BLT is extended with five more sessions the following week. * If necessary, a third week is optional. Week 2-4: Psycho Education will follow, 1 session. Week 3/4-9/10: ImCT will follow, 6 sessions.

BEHAVIORAL

Blue-light blocking glasses + Psycho-education + Imagery focused Cognitive Therapy

Week 1-3: blue-light blocking glasses will be administered. Week 2-4: Psycho Education will follow, 1 session. Week 3/4-9/10: ImCT will follow, 6 sessions.

BEHAVIORAL

Psycho-education + Imagery focused Cognitive Therapy

Week 1: Psycho Education, 1 session. Week 2-7: ImCT will follow, 6 sessions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Eindhoven (GGzE)

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Inge Bongers, Prof. Dr. · GGzE, Tilburg University

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

16 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-05-31

Primary Completion

2025-06-30

Completion

2025-12-31

Countries

• Netherlands

Study Locations