Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Individuals With Syndromic and Subsyndromic Depression in Bipolar Mood Disorder: A Controlled and Randomized Clinical Trial

NA · University of Sao Paulo · NCT06365021

This study is testing whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help people with Bipolar Disorder feel better and improve their quality of life compared to a shorter therapy option.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment42 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo (other)
Locations1 site (São Paulo, São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT06365021 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a treatment for patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD). Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving 12 sessions of ACT and the other receiving 3 sessions of Psychoeducation Therapy, both alongside their regular medication. The study will assess various outcomes, including depressive symptoms, quality of life, functionality, sleep quality, and psychological flexibility. The goal is to fill a gap in the literature regarding the use of ACT for BD and its potential benefits.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type I or II who are experiencing depressive symptoms and are not currently undergoing psychotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with organic mental disorders, those experiencing manic or hypomanic symptoms, or those currently in psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for patients with Bipolar Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While there are few studies on ACT for Bipolar Disorder, existing literature suggests potential efficacy, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder type I and II according to DSM V
* Presence of depressive symptoms (MADRS\>12)
* Not undergoing psychotherapy
* Availability to attend in-person group therapy sessions
* Signing consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Organic mental disorder
* Presence of manic or hypomanic symptoms (YMRS\>12)
* Currently undergoing psychotherapy (not able to pause during the study)
* Major medication change in last 30 days

Where this trial is running

São Paulo, São Paulo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Bipolar Disorder, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychotherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.