Behavioral Activation Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Behavioural Activation Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Not applicable Interventional St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton · NCT04317859

This study is testing whether adding behavioral activation therapy to the usual treatment can help adults with bipolar disorder feel better by reducing their depressive and manic symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSt. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04317859 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests the effectiveness of behavioral activation therapy for adults with bipolar disorder in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either behavioral activation therapy alongside their usual treatment or to a waitlist control group that continues with usual treatment only. The study aims to assess improvements in depressive and manic symptoms, simulating a real-life clinical setting without restrictive inclusion criteria. The intervention is designed to be an add-on to existing treatments, allowing for a comprehensive approach to managing bipolar disorder.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder who can provide informed consent and attend program sessions.

Not a fit: Patients with primary diagnoses other than bipolar disorder or those unable to understand English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a new effective treatment option for patients with bipolar disorder who struggle with depressive symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with behavioral activation in treating mood disorders, indicating a promising approach for this population.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
* Must be able to provide written informed consent
* Must be able to attend program sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to understand written and spoken English
* Primary diagnosis other Bipolar Disorder.

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario

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.
Conditions Bipolar DisorderBehavioural Activation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.