RecruitingACTRN12608000411347

Using the web to improve knowledge and self-management of Bipolar Disorder: A randomised controlled trial

Using a web-based psycho-education program to improve knowledge and self-management of Bipolar Disorder: A randomised controlled trial

Sponsor

Dr Judy Proudfoot, Black Dog Institute, University of NSW

Enrollment

300 participants

Start Date

Apr 12, 2007

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Newly diagnosed (within six months) Bipolar Disorder (BD).

Summary

Aim: to determine whether the web-based Bipolar Education Program (BEP) improves understanding and control of bipolar disorder, as well as mood, functioning and psycho-social adjustment in adults with newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder, in comparison with a minimal online education control condition. Two versions of the bipolar education program will be evaluated:(a)on its own and (b)with email support from an informed supporter who will also provide structured assistance to implement a ‘stay-well’ self-management plan. Informed supporters are people with bipolar disorder who are effectively self-managing their condition and who will be trained to provide online support for the education program under supervision of our clinical team. Hypotheses: At post-intervention and follow-up (3 and 6 months post-intervention): 1. Participants who receive the Bipolar Education Program (BEP) will have greater understanding of bipolar disorder, report greater control and self-management of their condition, and experience a better illness trajectory (fewer depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes, symptoms and impairment, fewer hospitalizations) and better psycho-social functioning than the attention control group. 2. Participants who receive the full BEP package (BEP + email support from an informed supporter with assistance to develop and implement a ‘stay well’ plan) will have greater understanding of bipolar disorder, report greater control and self-management of their condition, and experience a better illness trajectory (fewer depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes, symptoms and impairment, fewer hospitalizations) and better psycho-social functioning than people receiving the BEP alone or the attention control condition. 3. People receiving the full BEP package will report greater satisfaction with the intervention than those in the other BEP conditions and in the attention control condition. 4. The health service costs associated with hospitalizations and visits to health practitioners will be significantly different between the groups.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether an online education program called the Bipolar Education Program (BEP) can help adults who have recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder better understand their condition, manage their mood, and improve their quality of life. Two versions of the program are being tested: one that participants use on their own, and one that also includes email support from a trained peer — someone who has bipolar disorder themselves and is managing it well. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years of age or older - You have received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder from a doctor or psychiatrist within the past 12 months - You have a regular health professional managing your bipolar disorder - You have access to the internet, email, and a printer, and are comfortable using a computer - You live in Australia and can read and write English You may NOT be eligible if: - You are under 18 years old - Your bipolar disorder was diagnosed more than 12 months ago - You do not have a regular managing health professional - You do not have internet access - You do not live in Australia Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

There are Three different conditions in this study: two treatment and one minimal attention (control). All conditions involve web-based information/education, delivered over 8 consecutive weeks, about BD. (1) BEP: This is the basic online Bipolar Education Program (BEP). The BEP consists of 8 web-based modules, which participants receive one per week, covering information about diagnosis, causes, treatments, management of BD as well as testimonies from well-known people with BD. Participants complete and submit workbook tasks related to each of the modules. (2) BEP+ Enhanced Informed Support: This condition consists of the online BEP described above as well as receiving weekly email support from an informed support person. The “Informed Supporter” is someone who is successfully managing their BD and trained to provide email support to participants. In addition the "informed supporter" will help to develop and implement a ‘Stay-Well Plan”. A “Stay Well Plan” consists of strategies to help people manage their BD.

Locations(1)

Australia

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ACTRN12608000411347