Dialectical behavior therapy for youth at risk for bipolar disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for youth aged 13 to 23 who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder or have a familial risk for the condition. Over the course of one year, participants will engage in biweekly DBT skills training and individual therapy sessions, focusing on essential skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The study aims to assess predictors and mediators of treatment outcomes, building on previous research conducted by the University of Pittsburgh and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Trained therapists will deliver the intervention, with family involvement encouraged but not mandatory.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1\) English-speaking; 2) Age 13 years, 0 months to 23 years, 11 months; 3) Meet diagnostic criteria for BD by KSADS-PL (\< 20 years of age) or SCID-5-RV (\> 20 years of age) OR have a biological parent/sibling with BD (type I or II) confirmed via KSADS-PL or SCID-5-RV; 4) If BD-I, taking ≥1 mood stabilizing medication (i.e., antimanic anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, and/or lithium); 5) Followed by a psychiatrist who provides ongoing care; 6a) At least 1 suicide attempt in the past year (actual, interrupted, and/or aborted as measured by the C-SSRS) OR at least 1 preparatory act or behavior in the past year as measured by the C-SSRS OR non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behaviors in the past 3 months (as measured by the C-SSRS) -OR- 6b) Meet youth threshold for at least 2 impulsive behavior categories on question #4 from the SIDP-IV or 1 category is identified as severe (through case discussion that will focus on level of risk, persistence, and impairment); 7) Able and willing to give informed consent/assent to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

1\) Evidence of mental retardation, moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder, or organic central nervous system disorder by the K-SADS-PL (\< 20 years of age), parent report, medical history, or school records that would interfere with active participation in DBT; 2) A life-threatening medical condition requiring immediate treatment; 3) Current victim of sexual or physical abuse; 4) Current substance use disorder other than mild cannabis or alcohol use disorder.

Where it's running

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Benjamin I Goldstein, MD, PhD — Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Study coordinator: Jessica Roane, MSW
• Email: jessica.roane@camh.ca
• Phone: 416-535-8501

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Effects of comorbidity on people with severe mental illness

  This study tests how having both alcohol/substance use and a severe mental illness affects hospitalizations, medications, and social participation among adults followed at a mental health center.

  Recruiting Abant Izzet Baysal University · Bolu, Bolu · NCT07692984

• Venous Tourniquet with Low-Dose Sugammadex vs Arterial Tourniquet for Seizure Monitoring During ECT

  40 patients undergoing ECT will have a venous tourniquet on one arm and an arterial tourniquet on the other to see which method better reveals motor seizures.

  Recruiting Medipol University · Istanbul · NCT07534475

• 7T MRI and visual perception markers for severe mood and psychotic disorders

  This project tests whether 7‑tesla MRI scans combined with visual perception tests can identify brain markers linked to diagnosis and treatment outcomes in adults with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

  Recruiting Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine · Hangzhou, Zhejiang · NCT07479758

• Emotional Eating, Sleep Quality, Mental State, and Metabolic Syndrome in Psychiatric Patients

  This study tests how mood, sleep, and emotional eating relate to metabolic syndrome in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

  Recruiting Abant Izzet Baysal University · Bolu, Bolu · NCT07411222

• À deux, c'est mieux — group program to improve romantic relationships for young adults with severe mental illness

  This program will try a 12-week, small-group course to help single adults with severe mental illness build skills for dating, communication, and closer social relationships.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Centre hospitalier de Ville-Evrard, France · Épinay-sur-Seine, Île-de-France Region and 1 other locations · NCT07316803

• Brenipatide for adults with bipolar disorder (RENEW-Bipolar-1)

  This trial will test whether adding brenipatide to standard bipolar medications can delay worsening of symptoms in adults with bipolar I or II.

  Recruiting at 84 sites Phase 2 Eli Lilly and Company · Orange, California and 86 other locations · NCT07286175

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.