RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06022913

Behavioural Activation for Bipolar Depression

Adjunctive Behavioural Activation for Bipolar Depression: A Case Series (BA-BD)

Sponsor

Reykjavik University

Enrollment

10 participants

Start Date

Nov 22, 2023

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Bipolar Depression

Summary

Bipolar disorder (BD) affects between 1-3% of the world's population. People with BD experience episodes of mania or hypomania and in most cases, they experience periods of depression which can cause difficulties in daily life. Psychological therapies for people experiencing depression without mania or hypomania are widely available, but there is little research into how effective these therapies are for people with BD. Behavioral activation therapy (BA) is based on behavioral theory and has been proven to be an effective treatment for unipolar depression. It helps people re-establish healthier activity patterns and sleep regulation, especially in BD for mood stabilization. BA is theoretically and clinically well matched to the treatment of bipolar depression, but there is still very little research into offering BA to people with BD. The first aim of the current research is to implement BA for people with depression in Bipolar Disorder and study if it is feasible for this patient group. The second aim is to do a pilot study on the effectiveness of the treatment for this patient group. The research will be implemented with people seeking treatment at the specialized service for bipolar disorder at Landspítali University Hospital in Iceland. The participants will receive treatment as usual and the BA will be adjunctive. At least ten people, that are currently experiencing Bipolar Depression and are willing to take part, will receive up to 20 individual therapy sessions of BA that have been adapted for Bipolar Depression (BA-BD), and will complete regular questionnaires and interviews. The study will be a replication study to validate the previous study's findings by Kim, W. et al., 2022 in another setting.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a type of talk therapy called Behavioural Activation (BA) to help people with bipolar disorder who are experiencing depression. Instead of just medication, this therapy focuses on helping you get back to meaningful activities in your daily life. The study is being conducted in Iceland and requires participants to speak Icelandic. **You may be eligible if...** - You have been diagnosed with Bipolar I or Bipolar II disorder - You are currently experiencing significant depression symptoms - You can read, write, and speak Icelandic fluently **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a learning disability, brain injury, or struggle with substance dependence that would make it hard to participate in therapy - You are currently at high risk of harming yourself or attempting suicide - You are already receiving another form of talk therapy for depression or bipolar disorder - You have another condition (such as PTSD or psychosis) that needs to be treated first Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is 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

BEHAVIORALBehavioural Activation (BA)

BA is based on the assumption that depression may be precipitated and is maintained by a reduction in "healthy", adaptive behaviours and positive reinforcement of these, and an increase in avoidance behaviours. Together, these changes reduce the person's immediate distress, often at the expense of their medium and longer term goals. The therapy involves helping the individual to re-establish healthy patterns of activity, and replace avoidance behaviours with more adaptive behaviours that are constructive in the longer term. The intervention consists of up to 20 individual therapy sessions of Behavioural Activation, with one booster session three months after the end of therapy. Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes and this is supplemented by home practice between sessions.