NCT01520129

Pilot Study of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Subthreshold Bipolar

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 16 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The investigators propose to conduct a 20 week open pilot study of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to treat individuals (n=18) with subthreshold bipolar (BP) who are currently depressed. The investigators will conduct a preliminary evaluation of sleep-wake and social rhythm patterns in study participants using questionnaires and actigraphy. Primary aims of this study are to evaluate feasibility of this treatment and assessment approach. Exploratory aims are to examine 1) sleep-wake and social rhythm patterns in subthreshold BP, 2) impact of IPSRT on symptoms and functioning over time and 3) relationship between sleep-wake and social rhythm patterns and treatment outcomes.

Detailed description

Subthreshold bipolar disorder (BP) is a common, understudied, illness associated with high levels of impairment. "Subthreshold" BP refers to individuals who have episodes of both depression and hypomania, but the episodes of hypomania do not last long enough or are characterized by too few symptoms to meet conventional criteria for "threshold" hypomania. Compared to individuals with episodes of depression only (major depressive disorder or MDD), individuals with subthreshold BP have higher rates of suicide, earlier onset of illness, more episodes of depression, and more co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Despite the severity of the disorder, virtually nothing is known about how to treat this illness.

Conditions

• Bipolar Disorder NOS

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy	IPSRT Subjects will receive weekly 45 minute sessions of IPSRT for 20 weeks. IPSRT sessions focus on reducing symptoms by teaching patients to: a) increase regularity of social rhythms and regulate sleep-wake cycles; b) resolve interpersonal problems that contribute to mood symptoms (role dispute, role transition, grief, or interpersonal deficits); and c) recognize and accept the symptoms of subthreshold BP disorder (psychoeducation). Although we train therapists in techniques that are specific to each component, in practice, these strategies are administered flexibly and fluidly, without distinct boundaries between modalities. During the course of a session, therapists move seamlessly among the techniques, according to patients' needs.

Timeline

• Start date: 2012-03-01
• Primary completion: 2014-10-01
• Completion: 2014-10-01
• First posted: 2012-01-27
• Last updated: 2016-01-29

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States