Improving self-stigma in youth with bipolar disorder through therapy
A Randomized Pilot Basket Trial of Discovering Our Best Selves: Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy for Self-stigma Among Youth
This study is testing a new therapy to see if it can help young people with bipolar disorder feel better about themselves and reduce feelings of self-stigma.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06672562 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot clinical trial aims to evaluate the feasibility of a new intervention called Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy for Youth (NECT-Y) designed to reduce self-stigma in young individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder or multiple mental health conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the NECT-Y intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) over a 14-week period, with assessments conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up. The study will also examine the fidelity of facilitators delivering the intervention and its acceptability among participants. The trial will involve approximately 96 participants recruited from outpatient clinics in Toronto and London, Ontario.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 12-25 with a primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder or multiple mental health conditions and experiencing mild to severe internalized stigma.
Not a fit: Patients who have been hospitalized for mental health issues or started new psychotherapy within the last 30 days may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce self-stigma in youth with bipolar disorder and improve their overall mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar interventions targeting self-stigma in mental health have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder (any subtype) OR diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions (excluding bipolar disorder) * 'Mild' to 'severe' internalized stigma (mean score \> 2.0 on the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory) * Must sign and date the informed consent form * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Mental health-related hospitalization or emergency department visit in the last 30 days * Initiation of a new psychotherapy in the last 30 days * Inability to consent or to communicate in English
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lisa Hawke, PhD — Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Study coordinator: Lisa Hawke
- Email: Lisa.Hawke@camh.ca
- Phone: 416-535-8501
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.