Behavioral Activation for treating Bipolar Depression
Adjunctive Behavioural Activation for Bipolar Depression: A Case Series (BA-BD)
This study is testing a new therapy called Behavioral Activation to see if it can help people with Bipolar Disorder who are feeling depressed by encouraging healthier activities and better sleep.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Reykjavik University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Reykjavik) |
| Trial ID | NCT06022913 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to implement Behavioral Activation (BA) therapy for individuals experiencing depression associated with Bipolar Disorder (BD). BA is a therapeutic approach that focuses on helping patients re-establish healthier activity patterns and improve sleep regulation, which is crucial for mood stabilization in BD. The research will assess the feasibility of BA for this specific patient group, as there is limited existing research on its effectiveness for bipolar depression. Participants will be evaluated based on their depression severity and must meet specific diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I or II Disorder.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with Bipolar I or II Disorder who are currently experiencing depressive episodes.
Not a fit: Patients with current or past learning disabilities, severe substance dependence, or those at marked risk of self-harm may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an effective therapeutic option for managing depression in patients with Bipolar Disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While BA has been proven effective for unipolar depression, its application in bipolar depression is less explored, making this a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * scoring in the clinical range on a self-report measure of depression severity (the PHQ-9) meeting diagnostic criteria for depression based on a diagnosis on Diagnostic Interview for Anxiety, Mood, and OCD and Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders (DIAMOND) meeting diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I or II Disorder DIAMOND) participants will require a working knowledge of written and spoken Icelandic, sufficient to make use of therapy and complete research assessments without the need for a translator. Exclusion Criteria: * current/past learning disability, organic brain change, substance dependence (drugs and alcohol) that would compromise the ability to use therapy * current marked risk to self (i.e., self-harm or suicide) that we deem could not be appropriately managed in the Bipolar outpatient clinic at Landspitali. * currently lacking the capacity to give informed consent * currently receiving other psychosocial therapy for depression or bipolar disorder * presence of another area of difficulty that the therapist and client believe should be the primary focus of intervention (for example, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, psychosis)
Where this trial is running
Reykjavik
- Landspitali university hospital — Reykjavik, Iceland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anna S Islind, PhD — Reykjavik University
- Study coordinator: Halla Ó Ólafsdóttir, Cand. psych
- Email: hallaosh@landspitali.is
- Phone: 8688371
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.